Social Worker-Early Childhood Assistance Team (ECAT)

General Statement of Job

Under limited supervision, works effectively with school personnel, community agencies and families of District students to alleviate any presenting problems or issues affecting students' abilities to maximize their academic and social development. Coordinates special programs and activities as assigned. Reports to the Coordinator of Social Work.


Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

• Provides direct social casework and counseling services to individual students to help alleviate any presenting problems or issues affecting students’ abilities to maximize their academic and social development. Develops attendance improvement plans, and makes recommendations on transfer request.
• Under the direction of the coordinator compiles and analyzes annual dropout information and attendance reports as required by the State Department of Education.
• Prepares a comprehensive assessment of a students’ family, developmental and social histories prior to psycho-educational evaluations.
• Participates and provides consultation in student staffing (IEP, SIT, etc.)
• Works with the coordinator of social work to develop school attendance awareness projects with the goal of improved attendance throughout the district.
• Makes home visits to gather data, relive school-home difficulties, improve home to school communication and increase parents’ understanding of children’s educational needs and the resources available to tem within the school.
• Represents the District in meetings as required; provides testimony before the Hearing Board and Family Court as necessary.
• Works cooperatively with school and community agencies personnel regarding the needs of particular students. Consults with other disciplines on student issues and assists in locating resources to meet the environmental needs of students and their families; makes appropriate referrals.
• Reports evidence of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services, updates and informs schools of any changes in the child abuse and neglect law.
• May serve as a Field Instructor for social work students.
• May work with summer testing.
• May coordinate Medicaid activities, keeping parents informed of available services through Medicaid and Medicaid procedures.
• May assist in developing and implementing programs and services as part of a comprehensive drug and violence prevention/education program.
• May assist in securing and administering grant funding for special projects.
• Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession; attends workshops and conferences as appropriate. Represents the District on community boards, committees and task forces as appropriate.
• Uses a computer to prepare correspondence, record and retrieve information and to prepare reports required by District, State Department of Education and other agencies.
• Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including case records, case summaries, court petitions/affidavits, referrals, case reports, grant applications and reports, Hearing Board reports, travel reports, memos, correspondence, etc.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, telephone, adding machine, audio-visual equipment, vehicle, etc.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other administrators, co-workers, subordinates, students, parents, principals, teachers, other District personnel, community service agencies, day care personnel, the Department of Social Services and other government agencies, court personnel, school psychologists, consultants, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, professional peers, etc.
• Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Additional Duties:

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training
Requires a Master's degree in social work supplemented by two years of social work experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess LMSW certification.


Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, telephone, basic office equipment, vehicle, etc. Must be able to exert up to five pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Work involves sitting much of the time, but also involves driving, walking and standing for periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of five to ten pounds and to physically restrain students as needed.

Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability:
Requires ability to read a variety of laws, policies and procedures, professional studies, medical and social work reference books and publications, etc. Requires the ability to prepare records, reports, correspondence, etc. with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical, schedule or diagrammatic form; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach clients. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including social work/counseling, mental health, legal, education, etc.

Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery; to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, medical equipment, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:
Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. Worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree and to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications:
Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).


Performance Evaluation Criteria
Job Knowledge:
Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of Student Support Services as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Social Worker BSW. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has considerable knowledge of the functions and interrelationships of Richland District One and other governmental agencies. Has sensitivity to the needs of students, parents, school personnel and the community. Is able to manage complex school social work problems. Is skilled in the provision of direct casework and group work services to school children and their families. Has thorough knowledge of social work principles, practices and methods of intervention. Has thorough knowledge of human behavior, dynamics and personality development. Has thorough knowledge of federal, state and District laws, policies and regulations, especially as they relate to children and families. Is recognized as a competent social worker in the professional community. Is able to analyze and interpret statistical and narrative reports. Is able to maintain student records with confidentiality. Has the ability to offer assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments, as required. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret complex professional reports, statistical reports and related materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare complex reports, correspondence, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Is able to perform duties with professionalism in difficult, sometimes volatile situations. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has skill in the use of computers.

Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.

Quantity of Work:
Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:
Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:
Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.

Relationships with Others:
Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and District benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good District image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping:
Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.