School Social Worker for Visually Impaired Students

Overbrook School for the Blind; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to support students who are blind or visually impaired and their families. The role reports to the Superintendent and integrates with school psychologists, nurses, counselors, and physicians to address emotional, behavioral, and educational needs.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, delivering individual/group/family services, making referrals for mental health supports, and coordinating with community providers.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Current Pennsylvania social work license/certification appropriate to the position, such as LSW or LCSW, as applicable.
• Experience providing social work services to children, adolescents, individuals with disabilities, or families.
• Knowledge of special education and multidisciplinary service delivery.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, mandated reporting, professional ethics, and student safety requirements.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and crisis-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational and healthcare team.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries while developing strong relationships with students and families.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive social work assessments and identify student and family needs.
• Provide individual, group, and family social work services consistent with students’ IEPs and educational needs.
• Collaborate with school psychologists, counselors, nurses, administrators, and behavioral specialists to support students experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Provide social work intervention during student or family crises.
• Assess psychosocial concerns and make appropriate referrals for mental health or behavioral health services.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of local, state, and national resources serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired and individuals with disabilities.
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate community-based providers and agencies.
• Collaborate with county/state agencies, behavioral health providers, medical providers, child welfare agencies, vocational rehabilitation, and other community partners as appropriate.
• Serve as a resource and advocate for families navigating educational, medical, behavioral, social service, and community systems.
• Establish and maintain effective, respectful relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Provide families with information regarding community resources, financial assistance, counseling, healthcare, respite, transportation, housing, and other appropriate services.
• Facilitate communication among families, school personnel, medical providers, and outside agencies.
• Collaborate closely with the school’s nursing and health services team regarding students with significant medical needs.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the psychosocial impact of chronic illness, medical procedures, hospitalization, disability, and complex healthcare needs on students and families.
• Participate in multidisciplinary planning for students with medical diagnoses, technology dependence, feeding needs, mobility limitations, or other complex health considerations.
• Support students and families in navigating healthcare systems, community resources, insurance-related concerns, and appropriate medical or behavioral health referrals.
• Participate in discharge, transition, and reintegration planning following hospitalization or extended medical treatment when appropriate.
• Assist staff in understanding the social-emotional and family implications of students’ medical needs while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Skills

Collaboration

Crisis-management

Advocacy

Interpersonal skills

Communication across systems

Education

MSW

PA Social Work License (LSW/LCSW)

Job description

Overbrook School for the Blind is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to support students who are blind or visually impaired and their families. The role reports to the Superintendent and integrates with school psychologists, nurses, counselors, and physicians to address emotional, behavioral, and educational needs.

Responsibilities include conducting assessments, delivering individual/group/family services, making referrals for mental health supports, and coordinating with community providers.