About Job

The American Dream School is seeking a fully bilingual (Spanish/English) motivated and eager Social Worker who takes a preventative approach to the mental and behavioral welfare of our students and families. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of building a school committed to serving English Language Learners and cultivating bilingualism and biliteracy. The ADS Bilingual School Social Worker performs specialized social work in an educational setting to enable students to achieve optimal learning. A critical component of the role will be to collect, interpret, and synthesize information about students’ social history, community environment, family dynamics, economic differences, and significant crises that influence academic and behavioral functioning. The ADS Bilingual School Social Worker works cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member to provide services and to devise an appropriate service plan for referred students and their families.

The ideal candidate will be a strong public speaker who is a skilled relationship-builder. The candidate should be able to juggle multiple projects, and have design skills. Ideal candidates understand the decision-making process parents go through when choosing a school and can act as a trusted authority to give parents schools advice.

Minimum Qualifications:

LCSW Required
Bilingual Spanish/English required;
Master’s degree in Social Work or related field
New York State Certification is required
Strong organizational skills;
Maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, complete assignments with consistent accuracy;
Effective verbal, writing and listening skills

Responsibilities

Administrative

Selects and administers age-appropriate assessment methods and materials in order to determine the needs of the student
Services as a resource to teachers and staff regarding social work services and the academic/social needs of students
Provides in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students
Compiles monthly reports and maintains accurate case records
Models non-discriminatory practices in all activities
Maintains adequate and current testing materials required by school social workers

Mental and Behavioral Health

Performs casework services with students and families to help resolve student’s behavioral and social problems
Provides the provision of mental health and counseling services to students; this includes both mandated counseling to students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) as well as individual and group counseling to other students to address specific emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students
Provides follow-up support and periodic re-evaluation services as necessary
Conferences with and provides information, support, and counseling to parents/guardians of students
Consults with teachers and other school personnel to obtain information regarding the reason for referral
Serves as a liaison between the student, home, school, private counseling facilities and community resources such as social services, court services, and family service agencies
Gathers background information on the student’s social history by conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records
Submits comprehensive socio-cultural assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations
May be required to make court appearances to present data and performs court-requested evaluations
Communicates case findings and recommendations to teachers and other school personnel as needed

Prevention

Identify and monitor attendance of students of concern
Create programs for students and families to promote emotional and mental health
Create mental and emotional health in-service programs for staff

Crisis/Intervention

Respond to day-to-day issues and unanticipated student crises during the course of a school day

Parent Social Wellness

Organizes and conducts specialized programs to include parent training classes and student support activities
Provide regular counseling to students and families in need of social and emotional support

Other Duties