Department Lead - School Social Worker

The Department Lead is responsible for the leadership, administration and supervision of the department. The Department Lead will plan, organize and direct the overall functioning, staffing and assignments of the department to ensure that all Social Work needs are met at client schools. The Dept. Lead will also function in the capacity of a School Social Worker, providing assessment and services to students.

NOTE: Salary compensation in lieu of an hourly rate can be discussed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Compliance, Data Management and Reporting Improves management and oversight of the diagnostic, intervention, and referral process for special education eligibility. Develops compliant Individual Educational Plans, Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Reports, Evaluation Review Reports, Functional Behavior Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, Manifestation Determination Reviews, 504’s, and other special education reports pertaining to student needs and issues.

Mentors, coaches and supervises staff IEPs, reports, assessments, plans etc. to ensure compliance and reporting are appropriate. Supervision/Performance Management Participates in interviewing, selection and onboarding of new staff members. Trains, coaches and disciplines staff as necessary. Reviews and approves time records, investigating as necessary.

Conducts performance evaluations (informal and formal) as required. Where applicable, mentors/supervises staff with limited license or preliminary certificate to assist them in achieving certification and licensure requirements. Communicates with client schools and staff members regarding determining staff assignments and schedules.

Calculates and monitors utilization and assists staff in understanding and achieving utilization goals. Creates agendas, appropriate content and professional development for department meetings. Schedules and facilitates department meetings. Provides guidance to subordinates regarding policies, procedures, protocols, laws etc.

Assessment, Services, Therapy and Documentation Facilitate research regarding trends and best practices to support appropriate recommendations for student success. Completes psychosocial assessments to assist in the determination of special education eligibility and in the identification/assessment of learning obstacles.

Determines and implements appropriate therapeutic strategies and services to effect changes in behavioral/social interactions of students and their families. Provides individual and group therapeutic counseling. Connects parents with community resources for additional support, as needed Participates in IEPs as the subject matter expert for Social Work.

Consultation/Communication and Interdisciplinary Administration Coordinates and facilitates crisis intervention and trauma response services. Serves as a liaison between families and the school to positively promote collaborative processes in educational planning for students by encouraging parent/guardian participation in the school setting.

Serves as the subject matter expert for Social Work on the interdisciplinary team and provides meaningful information in a persuasive and professional manner. Other Participates in meetings, conferences etc. Participates in special projects during non-instructional time (ie. Summer) geared towards providing feedback, generating ideas and identifying opportunities for continued growth and improvement within the department.

Other duties as assigned. Required Education, Licensure, Certifications Master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution. Valid state of Michigan Master’s Social Work license. Professional School Social Worker Certificate or School Social Worker Full Approval without a lapse in SW employment. Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of special education requirements in K-12 school setting.

Advanced knowledge of social work services, facilitating individual or group discussions, and preparing social and family histories. Ability to utilize principles and methods of effective and persuasive speaking. Ability to communicate expectations clearly, and to effectively utilize a teamwork approach with staff at all levels.

Ability to utilize various computer and web-based software programs. Environmental Factors and/or Physical Demands In a school setting, buildings may have varied heating/cooling/air filtration/plumbing systems. Buildings may have stairs and may not have an elevator. May work with a variety of ages and may work with both individuals and teams.

Students may become physically or verbally aggressive. Noise levels may vary from quiet to moderate to loud. The employee will stand, sit and move around within the school setting. The employee may be required to carry, lift or shift a weight of up to 50 pounds.