Social Worker-Gen. Ed. at TOPEKA PUBLIC SCHOOLS in Highland Park, IL

Purpose Statement of The job of SOCIAL WORKER is done for the purpose of facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families and conveying information regarding school and/or district activities, procedures and referring families to other agencies. This position serves as a key contributor within the educational team.

Essential Functions ● ● ● ● ●

● Assesses student and family needs (e.g. financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans of services to support educational objectives.

● Collaborates activities with a variety of outside services agencies, school sites (e.g. mental health, probation, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students. Coordinates workshops for parents and/or students (e.g. parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.) for the purpose of assisting parents in maintaining a positive home environment, building trust between family and district and supporting student's educational program.

● Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers and/or students (e.g. parent/teacher, parent/parent, parent/student, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student's success.

● Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team management, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions. Responds to inquiries (e.g. students, parents, staff, community agencies, etc.) for the purpose of providing information on district support services and/or educational programs.

● Responds to requests for intervention in situations that could negatively impact the student's education plan for the purpose of addressing needs of the student and maximizing the learning environment.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: None Specified.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: None Specified.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: None Specified.

SOCIAL WORKER

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services. Work Environment The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 0% sitting, 0% walking, 0% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within specialized field is required.

Education: Masters degree in job related area with an emphasis in in job-related area.