Position Type:
SEL DISTRICT AND SCHOOL SUPPORTS/ SEL Social Worker

Date Posted:
7/28/2020

Location:
Dunbar Elementary
(High-Needs School)

Date Available:
ASAP

Closing Date:
Until filled

TITLE : SEL Counselor/Social Worker CLASSIFICATION: Certified/Non-Certified

FLSA : Exempt DEPARTMENT: Curriculum

SALARY : Local 1220 WORK YEAR: 180 Days

REPORTS TO : Building Principal

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under the direction of the Building Principal the job of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Counselor involves supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral development of all students in the areas of self awareness, self management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. They do this in accordance with federal, state, and district policies through whole class instruction, small group instruction, and unique scenarios when a student needs individual support. In addition to supporting students, SEL Counselors are also a resource for school staff and families. This portion of their role includes, but is not limited to: regularly collaborating with and facilitating professional development for staff; participating on a variety of teams (both general education and special education) throughout their buildings, with a focus on creating systems and structures that improve the school experience; partnering with families in developing plans to support the development of their children, both within and outside of school; and connecting families with community resources, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in social work, counseling, or related field (preferred)
• Illinois Professional Educator's License with Counselor Endorsement
• Experience working with children who have been educationally underserved
• Demonstrate the academic progress of students under his/her leadership and articulate the methods used to achieve those results.
• Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of :

• Counseling procedures, student appraisal, and facilitating student growth
• Social and emotional learning competencies, restorative practices, and positive behavior interventions
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively verbally and written
• Promote a positive, caring climate
• Maintain confidentiality of privileged and/or sensitive information.
• Interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Instruct students and manage their behavior
• Interact and communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents
• Coordinate multiple projects and assignments; high degree of flexibility

Skills:

• Effective and efficient decision-making skills
• Strong organizational skills, using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Demonstrate the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Essential Job Functions)

Provide consultation to school administrators, teachers, staff, students and parents regarding personal social and emotional needs of students

Conduct a needs assessment and evaluation of bullying, violence, and risky behaviors

Provide individual/group counseling for at-risk students

Refer students who need intense or specialized services to district or outside agencies

Provide support for new and returning students

Coordinate or assist the campus-based counseling team in facilitating interventions or strategies to remove barriers to student success

Prepare and deliver a minimum of ten guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, develop resilience, and emphasize the importance of higher education and goal setting

The SEL counselor oversees and helps determine SEL policies, monitors staff needs and issues, and solicits feedback from staff about what is and what is not working

She/he provides support and training as needed to continue a strong and positive experience to meet student social and emotional learning requirements

The SEL counselor recognizes shifting cognitive and emotional needs of students within their school, looking for trends before they emerge and are established

Raise the level of understanding among all staff about the importance of SEL as well as SEL-based approaches for working with individual students, classrooms and incorporating a SEL-focused school culture

Coordinate or assist in implementing schoolwide activities related to healthy student development including Anti-bullying initiatives

Coordinate staff-focused SEL and general self-care activities and information sessions

Organize and facilitate staff training at monthly meetings, which could continue during the summer months (as needed)

Participate in all staff meetings and trainings

Conduct parent workshops, training, and general outreach to educate parents on the importance of positive environments and SEL, and enhance parents' ability to support their children's success

Recruit community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs

Coordinate other activities that foster bully prevention and social and emotional and academic well-being of all students

Perform all other tasks and duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust and temperature. Frequent interruptions throughout the day. May be exposed to stressful situations. Maintain effective critical thinking skills needed for making observations, reading and writing, communicating with others Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities, which may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs.