Social Worker

SOCIAL WORKER

Student Culture and Character Development

·          Support the rules, systems, academic, and behavioral philosophy of Perspectives Charter School through counseling in one-on one and small group support sessions.

·          Create a proactive counseling program that prevents crises and supports the academically rich environment of the school.

·          Help maintain school and staff morale by assisting the Dean of culture in organizing school-wide events.

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Local and Parent Outreach

·          Work with Program Manager in building relationships with parents.

·          Develop relationships with community organizations that can help support the school, students, and their families.

·          Serve as a liaison between students/families and local social service agencies when necessary.

·          Visit homes of  PMA's families when necessary.

·          Serve as the liaison to the school's parent organization.

Other Responsibilities:

·          Serve as Coordinator of the RTI team

·          Partner with special education social worker in servicing students with special needs.

·          Provide direct services to the school community, including:

·          Providing regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling to students and families;

·          Providing crisis intervention as needed;

·          Managing, tracking, and documenting student interactions and counseling schedule;

·          Setting goals with students and tracking progress towards those goals;

·          Collaborating and communicating daily with supervisors, colleagues, and teachers to meet students' needs.

Manage aspects of referral process for social services, partnerships, and special education services, including:

·          Conducting regular assessments of current and emerging student and family needs;

·          Developing and maintaining partnerships with external agencies;

·          Referring individuals and families to external resources and services;

·          Administering records, documentation, and other compliance activities.

·          Design and coordinate student engagement, family engagement, and family education activities, including:

·          Home visits for newly enrolled and current students, as appropriate;

·          Workshops to educate families, staff, and/or students on specific issues;

·          Implement and enhance the school's systems and culture by discussing character education with students.

·          Consult with the school's Child Study Team to develop comprehensive supports and interventions to students who are presenting challenging behaviors.

·          Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.

·          Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively.

·          Commit to professional growth.

·          Directly support the students' social and emotional health to ensure their well-being and safety.

Support Principal, Deans, and teachers when discipline issues arise:

·          Participate actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings.

·          Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities, including chaperoning day and overnight trips.

·          Communicate daily with the principals about student behavior and issues.

·          Provide recommendations to the staff and leadership team around approaches to working with struggling students.

·          Establish a professional rapport and strong relationship with students, staff, and families.

·          Display the highest ethical and professional behavior when working with students, parents, and staff.

·          Meet with parents regularly regarding student issues.

·          Ensure a safe, positive environment in group and one-on-one counseling sessions.

Competencies:

1.     Displays discretion, confidentiality, honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the differing sectors of Perspectives and wider community

2.     Exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspectives Charter Schools

3.     Demonstrates initiative and responsibility as the Teachers' Aide/Disciplinarian

4.     Serves as an advocate for social justice, the development of character, and the right to pursue and receive an exceptional education.

Experience/Training: 

1.     One year or more experience equivalent to a Social Worker

2.     Must be certified as Program Manager by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) within one month hire date.  

Physical Demands:

1.     Ability to stand, bend and stretch.

2.     Ability to travel and maneuver between site locations

3.     Ability to lift at least 20 pounds.

Language Skills:

1.     Ability to read and write proficiently using the English language.

2.     Ability to interact and speak effectively in interpersonal situations and before groups of people.