High School Special Education Social Worker

The Metropolitan School District of Washington Township (MSDWT) is located in the northern section of Indianapolis. It is a dynamic community with broad diversity in cultures, religions, ethnic groups, races, and socioeconomic levels. MSDWT has been an educational leader in Indiana for the last seventy years.

Our mission is to nurture our students into tomorrow's leaders by cultivating learning environments that ignite innovation, amplify diverse and critical thinking, and inspire growth and achievement.

JOB DETAILS

JOB EXPECTATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Under the Direction of the High School Director of Special Educationthe following duties are assigned:

• Providing students, parents, administrators and other teaching staff with individually-tailored advice and consultation to address personal, emotional, familial, or social issues to maximize the students' learning experience
• Providing guidance to families requiring assistance determining additional mental health supports
• Supporting students who qualify for special education services and participating in case conferences
• Referring to more intensive services as needed, coordinating with school social worker, family and school-based mental health agencies
• Working closely with administrators, and Student Services (Special Education Department Chair) to improve outcomes for special education students; including sitting on weekly office meetings, and quarterly data meetings to be an active participant
• Attend weekly staff meetings as necessary
• Collaborating with Special Education teachers, IAs, team leads in Case Conferences, testing, m-team, MTSS, and others as needed
• Collaborating with Behavioral Coach and Behavioral Specialists to optimize student performance
• Conducting psycho-social assessments with students and their families to identify barriers affecting their educational processing including medical, developmental and environment factors
• Using evidence-based practices to assess for mental illness, trauma, depression, anxiety, and suicidality as identified in the DSM5 and using the following screening tools: ACE, PHQ-9, GAD-7, and Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
• Developing treatment plans and effective interventions to meet student's needs and working to lessen their deficits
• Conducting social skill groups, SEL individual sessions, or co-facilitating group sessions
• Serving as a school liaison for students leaving psychiatric inpatient hospitalization and the hospital
• Contacting Department of Child Services (DCS) as needed in various circumstances
• Assisting students and teaching staff in implementing student's behavior management plans
• Documenting services provided and keeping record of their progress electronically
• Conducting home visits as needed to provide support to students and families
• Traveling to school district buildings and professional meetings as required
• Continuing to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships
• Being available before and after school, as assigned
• Assisting with arrival and dismissal duties
• Performing other duties as assigned

• Minimum of 5 years of experience preferred
• Knowledge of social work principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven behavior management methods
• Differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles
• Data information systems, data analysis and formulation of action plans
• Applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students
• Excellent communication, written, curriculum and organizational skills required
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed
• Ability to organize and coordinate work

CONTACT INFORMATION

Wendy Skibinski, Director of Student Services

wskibinski@msdwt.k12.in.us

Crystal Haslett, Coordinator of Student Programs

chaslett@msdwt.k12.in.us

The Metropolitan School District of Washington Township is an equal opportunity/equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all applicable Federal and Indiana State laws, regulations, and executive orders in its programs and activities. Washington Township does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status.