QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates must hold a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution and possess a valid Virginia Department of Education Pupil Personnel Services License with an endorsement in school social work. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong assessment skills, deep knowledge of child development and family systems, and experience addressing a range of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges. Preferred applicants will have at least one year of experience working in a school setting. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, along with the ability to build positive relationships with students, families, school staff, and community agencies, are essential.

DESCRIPTION

The School Social Worker provides direct and indirect services to students and families to address social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental issues that may impede learning. This position plays a critical role in promoting equity, academic success, and well-being for all students by working collaboratively with school staff, families, and community partners. The School Social Worker supports student attendance, engagement, and mental health through prevention, intervention, and counseling services, and acts as a liaison between home, school, and outside agencies. This position is for 30-37 hrs. per week.

GENERAL DUTIES (May not include all duties performed)

• Facilitate partnerships between schools, families, and community agencies to meet student needs.
• Provide interventions and strategies based on research to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional concerns.
• Conduct observations in school and home settings to identify student barriers to success.
• Offer individual, group, and family counseling as needed.
• Collaborate with staff and families to resolve attendance and behavioral issues.
• Serve as an advocate for students to ensure equitable access to education and resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and accurate records in accordance with division policy and legal standards.
• Participate on multi-disciplinary teams such as Eligibility, Threat Assessment, FAPT, and School-Based Teams.
• Collect, analyze, and report data to inform intervention strategies and support school improvement efforts.
• Support division-wide crisis response and serve on the crisis response team.
• Conduct parent education workshops and community outreach.
• Collaborate with attendance officers and school leadership to improve student attendance through home visits, conferences, and referrals.
• Prepare detailed social history and adaptive behavior reports for eligibility evaluations.
• Provide training and professional development to school staff on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and related topics.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION

This position is supervised by the Supervisor of Pupil Personnel. School Social Workers may also collaborate closely with building administrators and other division support staff in executing responsibilities across school sites.

WORK CONDITIONS

The School Social Worker position involves a combination of office-based work and school/community visits. Work may require physical activity such as walking, standing, or light lifting. Assignments involve travel between schools and may include evening or weekend commitments. The role occasionally involves interactions in emotionally charged or high-stress situations and requires discretion, sensitivity, and professionalism. Access to reliable transportation is necessary.