School Social Worker

School Description

Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School was unanimously approved by the Indianapolis Public Schools Board of School Commissioners as a new innovation school and opened in July of 2017 to students in grades Pre-K-6. Located on the city’s Near Eastside, Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School works alongside community partners to provide a personalized experience for approximately 500 students and families.

Vision

Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School strives to prepare students to positively contribute to the quality of life of their community.

Mission

Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School prepares students through a whole child approach that encompasses two-generational supports, social/emotional development and personalized learning.

Position Summary

The Thomas Gregg Neighborhood School Social Worker addresses barriers to student learning, including social, emotional and mental health challenges and provides services at the school-wide, family, small group and individual levels. The Social Worker assists students with behavioral, mental, emotional, or physical issues and works collaboratively with parents, school staff and community agencies to work together to solve problems by communicating and providing referrals to other resources.

Professional Responsibilities

• Utilizes student, school and community data to plan, identify and implement evidence-based, culturally competent prevention strategies to meet student needs.
• Provides assessment and instruction/intervention at the school wide prevention level, at the targeted classroom/small group level and at the individual behavioral/mental health level to address issues that prevent learning readiness.
• Works collaboratively with student services team, school professionals, parents and community leaders in a culturally responsive manner to support the optimum learning environment for students.
• Serves as a member of the educational evaluation multidisciplinary team with responsibilities that includes the preparation of a social and developmental history on a student as well as overseeing Section 504 plans.
• Assists in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies and provides individual and group counseling to students and families who need help with personal concerns or development problems.
• Consults with school staff and parents regarding strategies for helping students cope with personal, social and academic concerns.
• Accesses and links community resources to students, families and the school in response to identified needs. To accomplish this responsibility, summer work, home and agency visits are required.
• Counsels students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical limitation or condition indicates need for assistance. Consults with parents, teachers, and other school or community personnel to determine causes of problems and effect solutions.
• Arranges for medical, psychiatric, and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures. Coordinates with and serves as liaison between school and school-based mental health provider.
• Serves as liaison between student, home, school, and community resources such as family service agencies, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and clergy members. To accomplish this responsibility, summer work home or agency visits are required.
• Serves as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations, which are not referred for direct service.
• Leads group counseling sessions to enhance social development of individual members and provide peer support in areas such as grief, stress, or chemical dependency.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission and vision of TGNS

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s Degree in Social Work
• Must hold valid Indiana School Services Personnel License as a School Social Worker and Indiana Professional Standards Board license.
• Valid Background Check
• Strong communicator
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with students, staff, administration and other personnel

Preferred

• Experience working in urban education environment
• Bilingual in Spanish

Salary & Employment Period

Salary Range

• Competitive based on qualifications and previous experience

Employment Period

• Twelve months

To Apply

Please submit the following:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 – $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Master’s (Required)

License/Certification:

• Indiana Social Worker License (Required)

Work Location: One location