Position Type:
Special Education Department/Outreach Worker

Date Posted:
10/8/2021

Location:
Administration Center - Allentown, PA

School Social Worker - Special Education

Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling or other related field is preferred.
2. Hold a current license as a Social Worker (LSW) or licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of PA.
3. Possess appropriate PDE Certification in PK-12 School Social Worker Educational Specialist.
4. Satisfactory work record & criminal/child abuse clearances (Acts 34, 114, and 151), FBI clearances.
5. Minimum of two years' experience working with programs which required extensive coordination between agencies.
6. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
7. Such additional or alternatives to the above qualifications as the board or superintendents may determine appropriate and acceptable.

Summary
Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, the School Social Worker is responsible to provides behavioral, emotional and educational counseling to groups and individuals, assists students in adjusting to school and community life and serves as liaison to other agencies. The School Social Worker also assists with the intake of incoming students and with their return to district educational programs. This position is funded under a three year grant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Communicates and collaborates with staff, parents, community and advocates on issues pertaining to services for students with disabilities;
2. Collaborates with Individual Education Plan (IEP) team members in regards to the students' progress.
3. Notifies case manager, completes and sends appropriate forms to parent or case manager, prepares report and provides copies to case manager, drafts goals, updates present levels and progress; when assessment or IEP is required at least three days in advance of IEP.
4. Contacts parent and case manager and obtains a signed excusal form when unable to attend an IEP meeting.
5. Prepares written reports as required.
6. Plans and records monthly work schedule in electronic calendar (Outlook) at least 30 days in advance and records any changes as they occur to ensure accurate IEP scheduling.
7. Assists students in identifying and solving emotional and educational problems, adjusting to school and community life, and preparing for appropriate post-secondary training, or to transition back to their regular school of attendance.
8. Assists students in evaluating their relationships with other students and with teachers and/or administrators; helps students in predicting the consequences of various courses of action open to them; reinforces behavior appropriate to the school environment by utilizing guidance techniques; and refers serious behavioral problems to the administrator of the program.
9. Assists in the planning, development and implementation of programs which include initiating group and individual activities to assist in the academic and social skill acquisition and success of students.
10. Assists with the enrollment of students into alternative education programs, prepares records and attends meetings regarding re-entry into regular schools and programs.
11. Obtains and evaluates student data, including test results, personal histories, school records, teachers' reports, parental information, and agency reports.
12. Provides direct support to assigned special education programs.
13. Provides counseling and support to students, parents, teachers, and agencies regarding home-school problems.

Share in our community! Grow with our students! Join our district today and be a part of our future!

The Allentown School District is committed to excellence! The richness of The Allentown School District's diversity is strengthened by its central role in educating our students for America's future through academic excellence and celebrating the culturally responsive, athletic and artistic range of talent in the schools. ASD students originate from 51 countries and speak 26 languages.

The Allentown School District offers a comprehensive benefits package to those who qualify.
This may include*
o Medical Insurance
o Dental Insurance
o Vision Reimbursement
o Tuition Reimbursement
o Personal and Sick time
o PSERS Retirement Fund

*Eligibility for specific benefits will be outlined in each labor group's specific collective bargaining agreement.

For more information on this position, please read the full description document.

• School Social Worker JD