TITLE: SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER Qualifications: Valid New Jersey Educational Services Certificate and School Social Worker Endorsement Minimum experience working with families and community health and social services agencies as determined by the board Demonstrated knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education Effective problem-solving, human relations and communication skills Required criminal history check and proof of U.S. citizenship or resident alien status REPORTS TO: School Counseling Services Director JOB GOAL: To help students resolve such personal, emotional, and social problems as interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to enjoy the fullest benefits of the education offered them. Performance Responsibilities: Participates in the evaluation, classification and placement of all pupils with special needs. Assesses a student in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic and cultural differences. Evaluates the configuration of factors within the home, community and school as related to a student's current social and academic adjustment. Interprets the implications of significant social findings as a member of the child study team, and participates in educational planning for exceptional students. Plans home visits or office interviews with family members to assess past and present history and development as well as family dynamics and interactions that are relevant to the child's adjustment. Maintains an ongoing relationship with families for the purpose of: sharing information regarding educational planning and programming for the student; assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community resources; and providing counseling to family members and/or students to facilitate social adjustment. Initiates, facilitates and maintains liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet special needs. Refers parents and child to agencies when appropriate. Consults with administration and staff regarding social adjustment factors of students in schools, at home and in the community. Counsels groups of students and/or parents regarding social adjustment problems. Serves as a case manager as assigned and maintains appropriate case records. Assists in upholding and enforcing department rules, administrative regulations and board policy. Maintains professional competence through inservice education and participation in professional development activities. Assists in coordinating, developing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of individualized education plans. Observes pupils in classroom and/or playground. Interviews pupils as indicated. Observes children in special education classes on an ongoing basis. Attends and participates in meetings as deemed necessary and consistent with the needs of the district. Performs all duties required as a member of the child study team by administrative code, state and federal laws, and board policy. Assumes other related duties/assignments assigned by the superintendent or student personnel services director. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Work year and salary to be determined by the board. EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with state law and provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of certified staff. APPROVED BY: __BOARD OF EDUCATION_____ DATE: ___4/27/09_____ REVISED: ____________________ Legal References: N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. Law Against Discrimination N.J.S.A. 18A:6-7.1 Criminal history records; employee in regular contact with pupils; grounds for disqualification from employment; exception N.J.S.A. 18A:6-10 Dismissal and reduction in compensation of persons under tenure in public school system N.J.S.A. 18A:16-2 Physical examinations; requirement N.J.S.A. 18A:26-1 Citizenship of teachers, etc. N.J.S.A. 18A:26-1.1 Residence requirements prohibited N.J.S.A. 18A:26-2 Certificates required; exception N.J.S.A. 18A:27 Employment and contracts N.J.S.A. 18A:28-3 No tenure for noncitizens N.J.S.A. 18A:28-5 Tenure of teaching staff members N.J.S.A. 18A:28-8 Notice of intention to resign required N.J.S.A. 18A:46 Classes and facilities for handicapped children See Particularly: N.J.S.A. 18A:46-5.1 Basic child study team services; provision by boards of education and state operated programs N.J.A.C. 6A:7 Managing for equality and equity in education