Social Worker

The International Institute for the Brain (iBRAIN) (www.ibrainglobal.org) is one of the largest brain-injury special education programs in the world based in New York City (locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn) and is expanding to add an out-patient clinic, as well as growing its research efforts for the brain injury and brain-based disorders community. iBRAIN’s mission is to research, develop, and implement special education and related services for students with brain injury and brain-based disorders.

Position Summary

The School Social Worker will report directly to the Director of Related Services and be working within a Multi-disciplinary Team to assist the students in many aspects of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The student population is primarily non-verbal and non-ambulatory (in a wheelchair), and have either a brain injury or brain-based disorder. In addition, it is critical to be part of the research efforts surrounding his or her assigned students as well as the organization’s research efforts. Successful attributes include a strong strategic focus, individual leadership in an environment that promotes innovation and continuous improvement, effective communication with key constituents and stakeholders, and accountability for results.

Responsibilities

• Act as part of total educational team by working in collaboration with school nurse and medical staff, teachers, administrators, and other related services providers to integrate the information from all of these sources to provide social, emotional, behavioral and adaptive support to the child, the child’s family and the school.
• Support the provision of multiple related services including social work services, parent counseling and training, counseling, and psychological counseling as needed.
• Assess areas in which students may require assistance or counseling.
• Communicate with parents, teachers, administrators, and related service providers regarding student’s well-being and needs.
• Relay relevant information to the student’s team in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate case files and reports to track student issues and progress.
• Evaluate student transcripts and reports.
• Use tools and assessments to identify the needs of students in school, home and community settings to maximize ability to learn and develop and track progress over time.
• Conduct interviews with students and families upon new student evaluation, intake and acceptance, and when otherwise indicated to obtain accurate social history and identify needs, strengths, relevant life experiences, and other social, developmental, emotional and behavioral factors to inform educational team for service provision and decision making.
• Participate in development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) as necessary, and as part of student IEP teams
• Use a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of students and families.
• Schedule monthly Parent Counseling and Training (PCT) sessions with families.
• Work with families during PCT sessions to determine areas for growth and relay valuable information regarding student’s progress at school and to encourage active family participation in the achievement of IEP goals.
• Work closely with therapists, students, and medical professionals to obtain essential equipment for students.
• Read scientific literature relevant to assigned research projects.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

• Must have a Valid NYS LMSW licensure, LCSW preferred.
• At least 2 years' experience working with children who have a brain injury or brain-based disorder.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Must have the ability to take initiative, and a highly flexible personality type
• Must be detail-oriented, focused, highly motivated, and able to work as part of a team
• MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR

Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Certified Social Worker (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Brooklyn, NY 11220 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person