Topeka Public Schools Jobs Hiring Now

Purpose Statement

The job of SOCIAL WORKER - SPEC ED is done for the purpose/s of The job of SOCIAL WORKER - SPEC ED is done for the purpose/s of facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families; and conveying information regarding school and/or district activities, procedures, and referring families to other agencies.

Essential Functions

Assesses student and families basic needs (e.g. food and housing, financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of connecting resources with needs and developing and implementing individualized resource acquisition or services plans to support educational objectives.

Collaborates activities with a variety of school sites and outside services agencies (e.g. mental health, probation, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.

Coordinates workshops for parents and/or students (e.g. parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.) for the purpose of assisting parents in maintaining a positive home environment, building trust between family and district, and supporting student's educational program.

Maintains student case file and IEP (e.g. evaluations, re-evaluations, contact documentation, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, maintaining historical record, and complying with mandated requirements.

Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers, and/or students (e.g. parent/teacher, parent/parent, parent/student, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student's success.

Participates in, or facilitates, meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team management, parent training/meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

Responds to inquiries (e.g. students, parents, staff, community agencies, etc.) for the purpose of providing information regarding district support services and/or educational programs.

Responds to requests for intervention in potential situations negatively impacting the student's education plan for the purpose of addressing needs of the student and maximizing the learning environment.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the

work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: social work and education principles; social emotional and mental health services; clinical expertise; counseling techniques; evidence-based interventions; de-escalation techniques; harm reduction and substance use prevention interventions; standard business office equipment; and, pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying and utilizing assessment tools; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; listening, remaining calm and reassuring in a variety of situations; communicating effectively verbally and in written word; demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity; assessing and utilizing data; working effectively in the education community, with the public, and with diverse populations; adhering to protocols supporting all students; and, preparing and maintaining accurate, secure records.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; often gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; analyze data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.

Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: understanding human behaviors; establishing and building trust; communicating with compassion and empathy; adapting to changing work priorities; demonstrating cross-cultural knowledge, competence, and respect; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; collaborating with staff and families; working with minimal supervision; working with detailed information/data; working with frequent interruptions; and, developing and maintaining effective work, family, and student relationships.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, 25% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Education: Masters degree in job related area with an emphasis in in job-related area.