SOCIAL WORKER
Reports to: Superintendent
Dept./Campus: Central Office
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Length of Contract: 210 days; 8 hours per day
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The School Social Worker will serve the Mayflower School District by providing critical support to students, families, and staff to support their emotional, social, and academic success. This role addresses students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs to enhance their educational experience and academic success. The School Social Worker will collaborate with the school community to remove barriers to learning, promote a safe school environment, and connect students and families to essential resources within the Mayflower community and beyond.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
Degree in Social Work from an accredited program is preferred.
Licensed as a Social Worker or Licensed Certified Social Worker in Arkansas is preferred.
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to connect with students, families, and staff.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
Proficiency in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and culturally responsive practices.
Collaborative and team-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Experience:
Previous experience working in a school setting or with children and adolescents in a social work capacity is preferred.
The Board may find appropriate and acceptable alternatives to the above qualifications.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Demonstrate relentless commitment to academic achievement of all students.
- Demonstrate effective customer service strategies to all district patrons.
- Foster collegiality and team building among staff; encourage their active involvement in the decision-making process.
- Communicate and promote expectation for high-level performance from staff and students; hold staff and students accountable for high performance; recognize excellence and achievement.
- Articulate a clear direction for all students and staff; articulate a positive image of the school district and school district personnel.
Student Support:
- Conduct assessments to identify students’ social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
- Provide direct counseling and support services to students individually and in groups.
- Develop and implement intervention plans for students experiencing difficulties, working closely with teachers and school staff.
- Support students in building social-emotional skills, coping strategies, and conflict-resolution techniques.
- Provide crisis intervention when necessary, ensuring students' safety and well-being.
Family Engagement and Support:
- Act as a bridge between the school and families, helping them navigate available resources and services.
- Assist families with accessing community resources related to mental health, housing, financial support, and social services.
- Conduct home visits to assess and support family dynamics, ensuring a positive environment for student learning.
- Provide guidance on school policies and programs to help parents understand and participate in their children's educational process.
Collaboration with School Staff:
- Work alongside teachers, counselors, and administrators to identify students needing additional support and develop individualized plans.
- Participate in meetings to develop IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) and 504 Plans, ensuring students receive appropriate accommodations.
- Collaborate with staff to create and implement programs promoting positive school culture and mental health awareness.
Community and Resource Coordination:
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations to support students and families comprehensively.
- Connect students and families with mental health providers, social services, and other community resources as needed.
- Serve as a liaison to external agencies, ensuring coordination between school and community supports.
Program Development and Advocacy:
- Develop and lead school programs focused on addressing mental health awareness, anti-bullying, substance abuse prevention, and improving attendance.
- Advocate for the social and emotional well-being of all students and contribute to efforts to build a positive and inclusive school environment.
- Maintain detailed records of services provided and ensured compliance with district and state requirements.
- Other duties as assigned
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data; maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demands:
Frequent district-wide travel; Occasional state-wide travel; Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. |