Reports To: Social Work Coordinator
Position Purpose: Assess and evaluate students with mental health needs, providing school-level intervention and referrals so that they are able to engage in learning.
Qualifications: LMSW preferred (Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board license), BA in Social Work or a related Human Services degree considered with commensurate experience.
Knowledge/Ability/Skills:
- Resource knowledge: Knowledge of community resources in and around Topeka Public Schools
- Communication skills: Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing
- Crisis management: Ability to problem solve behavior emergencies while maintain calm, student centered, professional demeanor
- Direct support: Ability to interact appropriately and effectively with students with social/emotional skill deficits
- Professional relationships: Ability to develop effective professional relationships with community partners, parents, and district personnel
- Organizational skills: Ability to gather, interpret and report data, manage times and projects, meet deadlines, and prioritize work
- Policy: Knowledge of Topeka Public Schools policies and applicable educational law
Physical/Emotional Requirements: The incumbent may be required to use the following skills and abilities during any part of the working day: Speaking, hearing, visual, walking/mobility, standing, consistency of temperament, ability to work with a variety of problems at the same time, and stamina for working long hours. Position may require travel to student residences within the city of Topeka.
Performance Responsibilities:
- Evaluate student personal and/or mental health needs and identify appropriate referrals such as food, transportation, clothing, mental health, medical, child welfare, and related needs.
- Assist students and their families to negotiate barriers to mental health treatment. This may include interviewing the family to discuss their child's educational adjustment; identifying with the family the resources they might access to alleviate family stress; working with parents to facilitate support of their children's school adjustment; and serving as connection between the home and school.
- Provide problem solving services to students which may include crisis response, regular meetings with students, collaboration with the mental health team, collaboration with classroom teachers and parents, and appropriate direct service needed to ensure the student’s academic engagement.
- Coordinate information gathering from therapists, case managers and school personnel to monitor identified needs and confirm that services are being provided.
- Link and/or coordinate school and community resources to better serve the families of students; help schools obtain appropriate support from social and mental health agencies; and advocate with community planning bodies for new or improved services to children in need.
- Prepare reports related to outcomes and needs. Report findings to the building administrator, district administration and community partners as required.
Terms of Employment: 10.5 months; classified salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education. This position is grant funded and only guaranteed until June, 2020.
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