Social Worker - Special Education

The Reno County Education Cooperative is currently accepting applications for a school social worker for the 2024-25 school year. This is a full-time position serving students in multiple locations in Reno County, KS. The final assignment is yet to be determined.

Summary:  School social workers use their training and skills to team with educators, parents, and other supportive professionals to ensure that every child learns in a safe, healthy and supportive environment. School social workers assist students in reaching their educational potential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. The school social worker provides related services to students under IDEA.
   1. Coordinates the functional behavioral assessments of students.
   2. Coordinates the development of behavior intervention plans.
   3. Participates as a team member in the comprehensive evaluation, review, and re-evaluation process.
   4. Consults with parents, teachers, administrators and supporting agencies concerning the needs and abilities of students.
   5. Develops social or developmental histories on children with disabilities.
   6. Participates as a team member on student improvement teams, IEP teams.
   7. Assists teachers and parents in developing an appropriate individual education plan for students.
2. The school social worker provides services to students.
   1. Provides crisis intervention.
   2. Develops intervention strategies to increase academic success.
   3. Assists with conflict resolution and anger management.
   4. Helps children develop appropriate social interaction skills.
   5. Assists children in understanding and accepting self and others.
   6. Assists with the integration of special education students into the general education classroom.
   7. Assists in developing and implementing educational programs for exceptional children.
3. The school social worker provides services to parents/families:
   1. Interviews the family to assess problems affecting the child`s educational placement.
   2. Works with parents to facilitate their support in their children`s school adjustment.
   3. Assists with alleviating family stress to enable the child to function more effectively in school and community.
   4. Assists parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources.
   5. Visits students homes when necessary.
   6. Transports parents/guardians to meetings/services when necessary.
4. The school social worker provides services to school personnel.
   1. Provides staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc) affecting a students performance and behavior.
   2. Assesses students with mental health concerns.
   3. Develops staff in-service training programs. 
   4. Assists teachers with behavior management.
   5. Provides direct support to staff.
5. The school social worker acts as a school-community liaison:
   1. Obtains and coordinates community resources to meet students needs.
   2. Helps school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.
   3. Participates in the referral of students to other agencies as appropriate.
   4. Demonstrates effective interpersonal relationships with others.
   5. Provides assistance for families and students requiring multiple resources.
6. The school social worker provides services to districts.
   1. Maintains regular attendance for consistency in programming.
   2. Adheres to all district policies and procedures.
   3. Works effectively with community organizations and outside agencies.
   4. Maintains confidentiality, appropriate records and provides timely reports.
   5. Ensures that all activities adhere to the professional standards and an ethical code for the school social worker.
   6. Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas, and techniques.
   7. Maintains an inventory of materials, tests and supplies.
   8. Adheres to all district and cooperative health and safety policies including all precautions of the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan.
   9. Identifies and reports child abuse and neglect.
   10. Provides consultation regarding school law and school policy including IDEA.

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education which are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications of the position.

Education and/or Experience:

• Current Kansas license on file.
• Free of any physical condition that would conflict with the health, safety, or welfare of the students.
• Valid driver’s license on file in RCEC office.
• Vehicle insurance on file in RCEC office.
• Requires an ability to work cooperatively and constructively with others, including the ability to communicate effectively with a broad audience.
• Requires an ability to manage job responsibilities and meet the established district outcomes.
• Requires an ability to use district-identified computer hardware and software and other district-provided technology as needed.

Applicants for this position must hold one of the following certifications in Kansas:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW or TLMSW)
• Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW or TLSCSW)

Apply online at https://rcec610.freshteam.com/jobs. The following documents are also needed for your application to be considered complete and eligible to advance through the screening/interview/hiring process.

• Letter of Interest
• Copy of current resume, complete with the names and current contact information of at least three references
• Copy of all university transcripts
• Copy of current license/certification or verification that Kansas licensure is in process

If you are unable to attach these items, please contact us.

A more complete job description for the position is available upon request.

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