School Social Worker Job Description Template
Use this School Social Worker job description template to advertise the open roles for free using Longlist.io. You can use this template as a starting point, modify the requirements according the needs of your organization or the client you are hiring for.
Job Brief
We are looking for an experienced school social worker to join our team. Your primary responsibility will be to identify mental or emotional issues that our students face and work with them through those challenges. You’ll also collaborate with parents and school staff to create coordinated intervention strategies (e.g. behavioral management).
To succeed in this role, you must have great communication and counseling skills. You should have the ability to connect and empathize with students and understand the root of their problems. If you are compassionate and you love helping others, we’d like to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Listen to students’ issues when they come looking for help, and provide support and discuss solutions with them
- Talk with students who exhibit concerning behaviors to understand their issues
- Identify problems in the school setting, such as bullying or aggressive behavior
- Review students’ medical and mental health history
- Interview parents and teachers of students who face problems to update their records
- Create individualized plans for students who face hardships at school or at home
- Monitor and report on students’ progress
- Refer students and families to mental health services or psychiatric help
- Research new ways to improve children’s wellbeing
- Provide guidance to teachers of high-risk children
- Support parents in facilitating students’ progress
- Report to the proper authorities in cases of physical, mental, or emotional abuse
Requirements
- Previous experience as a social school worker or in a similar role
- Basic knowledge of MS Office
- Experience working with a wide range of issues students’ families face (e.g. domestic violence, drug abuse)
- Ability to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds
- An empathetic and trustworthy personality
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification is required
- Degree in Social Work or Psychology; Master’s is a plus
What does School Social Worker do?
A School Social Worker performs various tasks on a day-to-day basis to support the well-being and academic success of students. Here are some common responsibilities:
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Providing counseling: School Social Workers offer individual and group counseling to students dealing with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. They help students develop coping skills, improve their self-esteem, and manage conflicts.
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Assessing students' needs: They conduct assessments and evaluations to determine the needs and strengths of students. This includes interviewing students, teachers, and parents, and working collaboratively with other professionals.
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Developing intervention plans: Based on their assessments, School Social Workers create customized intervention plans for students. These plans may include goals, strategies, and resources to address specific issues and improve students' well-being.
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Advocacy: They advocate for students' rights and needs by collaborating with teachers, parents, and administrators to ensure students receive appropriate services and support. This may involve attending meetings, providing input on IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), and connecting families to community resources.
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Crisis intervention: School Social Workers respond to crises within the school community, such as student or staff emergencies, incidents of bullying, or traumatic events. They provide immediate support, comfort, and resources to help individuals cope with these situations.
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Collaboration and consultation: School Social Workers collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to create a positive and inclusive school environment. They may provide consultation and guidance on issues such as behavior management, conflict resolution, and social skills development.
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Program development and implementation: They develop and implement programs aimed at promoting positive social skills, emotional well-being, and academic success. This may involve organizing workshops, support groups, or prevention programs on various topics, such as bullying, substance abuse, or mental health.
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Record-keeping and documentation: School Social Workers maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, assessments, and services provided. They also ensure compliance with legal and ethical guidelines.
Please note that the specific responsibilities of a School Social Worker can vary depending on the school district, student population, and the needs of the community they serve.