Job Description:

Bismarck Public Schools is accepting applications for a District Social Worker. This position will begin in the fall of the 2024-2025 school year and current placement will be at Legacy High School.

Purpose Statement

The job of Social Worker is performed for the purpose of serving as a liaison between school, home, and community; advocating on behalf of families and students; facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation compliance with county, state, and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families; conveying information regarding school and/or district activities and procedures; referring families to outside resources; providing extensive counseling to identified students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges; and providing strategic services for students to address social-emotional environmental issues that interfere with the educational process.

Supervisory Relationship

Reports to: Coordinator/Principal

Essential Functions

Assess Student and Family Needs: Administer various evaluation protocols such as child/family/teacher interviews, behavioral scales, and functional behavioral assessments to develop and implement individualized plans of services supporting educational objectives.
Crisis Intervention: Assist with school and home crisis intervention plans for issues such as health, runaway child, abuse/neglect, domestic violence, and family member suicide to create necessary support for students and families in crisis.
Coordinate Training: Provide training opportunities for staff, parents, and/or students on topics such as parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, and mental health awareness to assist parents in maintaining a positive home environment and support the child's educational program.
Liaison with Agencies: Coordinate activities with various outside service agencies such as mental health, housing, probation, medical, youth camps, food banks, and clothing/supplies to provide referrals for families and/or students.
Maintain Records: Keep case records and documentation, adhering to confidentiality standards and NASW Code of Ethics, as well as Bismarck Public Schools Special Education policy, to comply with mandated requirements.
Mediate Conflicts: Resolve conflicts between parents, teachers, and/or students by offering support and options, providing community resources, and assisting in referrals to ensure student success.
Participation in Meetings: Attend meetings, training, and seminars to convey and gather information required to perform functions, including building-level meetings, student evaluations, intervention plans, behavior plans, and attendance team strategies.
Provide Resources: Offer interim transportation resources to assist students and/or family members in receiving required services and/or attending meetings.
Respond to Interventions: Address situations that could negatively impact the student's education plan by coordinating the wrap-around process for higher-risk students and families, providing social skill instruction, resiliency training, and motivational training for at-risk students, and developing behavior intervention and support plans.
Adhere to School Policies: Follow school policies and procedures.
Attendance: This position requires prompt and consistent attendance.
Perform Other Duties: Undertake additional tasks as assigned to support the effective operation of the work unit.
 

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills

Ability to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions.
Excellent human relations, oral and written communication skills.
Experience and training demonstrating successful use of clinical skills in working with students and/or their families, other programs, and agencies. 

Knowledge

Ability to perform algebra and/or geometry, review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and speak persuasively to implement desired actions.
Knowledge of Bismarck Public Schools and local agencies providing services to youth and their families.
Excellent clinical knowledge and skill in working with students experiencing significant social, emotional, and behavioral issues and their families.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, policies, and regulations related to special education and serious emotional disabilities.

Abilities

Schedule activities, meetings, and events.
Gather, collate, and classify data.
Work independently and collaboratively with others in a wide variety of circumstances.
Utilize job-related equipment and solve practical problems.
Maintain confidentiality, meet deadlines, and work with detailed information/data.
Adapt to changing work priorities and maintain flexibility.
Establish effective working relationships and handle multiple projects.
Assist in developing and monitoring individualized education programs (IEPs) that include appropriate social skills, behavioral, and academic goals.
Familiarity with surface management strategies as needed. 

Responsibility

Work under limited supervision using standardized practices and methods. Lead, guide, and coordinate others. Operate within a defined budget. Utilize resources from other work units as required to perform job functions. Have a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

Physical demands include some lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally involves 40% sitting, 40% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience

Experience in schools, preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Certificates and Licenses

ND Licensure

Licensed Social Worker

Continuing Education/Training

Meets Continuing Education Requirements

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses

Clearances

Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status

Exempt

Primary Location    -Central Administration Building
Salary Range    -$61,830.00 - $65,615.00 / Per Year
Shift Type    -Full-Time

Salary Grade:

PJ