Social Worker - Special Education

Ypsilanti Community Schools; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 47,950 - 57,550; Full time

Job summary

Ypsilanti Community Schools is seeking a School Special Education Social Worker to assist students with goal setting, behavior management, and accessing community services. The role includes evaluating for Special Education eligibility and providing individual or small-group sessions to meet IEP requirements.

Qualified candidates hold a Master’s degree and a Michigan School Social Worker license with an interest in adolescents with special needs.

Qualifications

• Requires Master’s degree in relevant field.
• Licensed School Social Worker in Michigan.
• Interest in working with adolescents with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students and families in obtaining community services.
• Provide group/individual sessions on conflict resolution and behavior.
• Participate in student evaluations for special education eligibility.
• Assist in crisis prevention/intervention.
• Serve on student study and support teams.
• Develop behavior plans and positive intervention strategies.
• Lead staff development to address diverse student needs.
• Promote regular attendance and value of education.

Skills

Build rapport

Initiative

Team collaboration

Education

Master’s degree

Michigan School Social Worker license

Interest in adolescents with special needs

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

School Special Education Social Worker

Salary $47,950.00 - $57,550.00

SUMMARY

To assist students with goal setting, behavior management and in obtaining needed community services. To also perform student evaluations for special education eligibility and provide individuals or small group sessions to meet IEP requirements for students in special education and regular education programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned.

1. Assist students and families in obtaining needed community services.
2. Provide group and individual sessions on conflict resolution, goal setting, appropriate school and social behaviors and identified individual needs.
3. Participate in student evaluations for special education eligibility including preparing required reports and case management.
4. Assist in crisis prevention and crisis intervention activities.
5. Serve on student study and student support teams.
6. Work with students, staff and families to complete behavior analyses and to develop behavior plans, which will include positive intervention strategies.
7. Take a leadership role in working with staff and administration to organize staff development activities to assist them in better handling diverse student needs.
8. Help students and families understand the importance of regular attendance and benefits of education.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree.
• State of Michigan License for School Social Worker.
• Interest in working with adolescents with special needs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to explain and demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret periodicals and professional journals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, students and the general public.
• Ability to write lesson plans, business correspondence and other related correspondence.
• Ability to express self clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret information.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• The ability to integrate technology into the everyday work flow is necessary.
• Ability to utilize District technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the District.
• Ability to use computer technology for research, data management, communications and other instruction.
• Ability to use a personal computer (PC) or MAC in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communications mechanisms.
• Knowledge of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation software) is required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Ability to apply the concepts of basic math, algebra and geometry consistent with the duties of this position.

REASONING ABILITY

• Highly proficient in subject areas of: reasoning, problem solving, organizational dynamics and emotional intelligence.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Exhibit a high level of professionalism with the ability to handle confidential information, use good judgment, plan and handle complex projects and maintain a flexible attitude.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to build rapport with others and to serve diverse publics.
• Ability to take initiative; work well with others as a collaborative team member and exhibit good communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies and individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds such as books and teaching material. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to travel to other buildings is required. The position requires the individual to sometimes work irregular or extended work hours and meet multiple demands from several people.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY

The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. The employee is frequently required to interact with the public and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being and work out-put of students. The employee is exposed to infections at a greater risk than the average person. Occasionally the employee may be required to be outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.

EEO STATEMENT

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, immigration status, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any legally protected category not otherwise listed, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.