Social Worker Job at Northwood Academy Charter School in Philadelphia

Northwood Academy Charter School

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position: School Social Worker (Upper School)

Department: Education

Reports To: School Social Work Supervisor

FLSA Status: Exempt

Direct Reports: None

Last Revised 05/2024

Position Summary: The Social Worker is a year-round, certified position that is responsible for working closely with families, school counselors, teachers, students and the Administration to enhance the NACS ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school, and community collaboration is key to achieving that mission. The work of the licensed Social Worker is to identify and support students and their families in eliminating barriers that impact learning.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Conduct assessments of individuals and families with the goal of improving student social, emotional, behavioral and academic outcomes.

• Conduct reliable and valid assessments of students and families to inform the design of interventions to remove barriers to learning.

• Participate in the development of school-wide prevention, initiatives and policies related to attendance to both be proactive to truancy and determine barriers and reasons for excessive absences.

• Participate in the development of school-wide prevention, initiatives and policies related to safety, violence prevention and positive culture, social/emotional health, and the welfare of students

• Conduct home visits, when necessary, in partnership with the school counselor’s plan for attendance interventions and support.

• Consults with families and staff to appraise student needs and interests and to discuss appropriate recommendations for educational options.

• Prepares students for the transition to the next level (high school)

• Plans and coordinates programs such as career and high school fairs

• Manages high school selection process for 8th graders

• Complete assessments of the schools needs to prioritize service delivery

• Provide consultation to school personnel, parents/guardians, and community partners for the purpose of enhancing their understanding of student needs, developing effective interventions, and building school capacity.

• Act as a liaison with community agencies to ensure continuity of services in partnership with the school counselors.

• Provide follow up crisis counseling and referrals to appropriate providers

• Demonstrate the use of evidence informed practices in their interventions

• Utilize data in assessing needs of planning interventions for individual students, groups, and/or the whole school population.

• Maintain accurate, complete and punctual records, as well as safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of information as required by law, district / state policy, and licensing requirements.

• Meet the minimum professional development requirements as set forth by the licensing board

• Adhere to state and district mandating reporting requirements as they pertain to safety concerns.

• Ensure that students and their families are provided services within the context of multicultural understanding and competence.

• Utilize evidence-informed practices, skills, and techniques that reflect the understanding of the role of culture in the helping process

• Empower students and families to gain access to and effectively utilize school and community resources.

• Other duties as outlined by Chief of Staff, CEO and/or Board of Directors

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, or Related field

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or related field is strongly preferred

Qualifications:

• Master's degree from an approved program in social work.

• Placement in a particular setting or model determined by experience with specific student populations.

• Must hold or be eligible for a license issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education with endorsement as a school social worker.

• Knowledge of and commitment to the highest standards of ethical and effective practice.

• Knowledge of social work theory, practice, and procedures.

• Ability to apply professional skills to provide a wide range of counseling, diagnostic, and crisis

intervention services to the needs and requirements of a public charter school system.

• Ability to perform and guide data collection and analysis to ensure effective services and to

measure outcomes.

• Ability to gain the confidence and cooperation of students, teachers, and families.

• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with other professionals within the school and the community.

• Proficiency in the use of technology and data compilation, analysis, and reporting.

• Analytic ability and adaptability to changing needs.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to write comprehensive reports and to interpret findings to families.

• Ability to write routine correspondence.

• Demonstrate a genuine interest, understanding and care for students personal and academic success.

• Operate from the belief that all students can learn and be held to high standards.

• Possess a strong desire and ability to engage families through intentional relationship building and ongoing communication.

• Respond positively and effectively to challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Possess excellent organizational and time management skills.

Working Conditions: Usually work indoors in an office setting, may sometimes work outdoors, or supervise playgrounds. Work very near others, within a few feet or less. Working with young children often entails close contact. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity, hear, and understand speech at normal classroom levels.

Physical Requirements: There are physical aspects of this position to successfully carry out essential job functions such as ability to lift or carry supplies, textbooks, and equipment up to 30 pounds. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, grab, pull, see, hear, and speak daily. Employees in this classification may be subject to work environments that have exposure to weather or interiors with extremes of heat and/or cold, wet, and/or humid conditions, high noise levels, and various work-related hazards. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential job duties.