Licensed Social Worker (3672)

Job DetailsJob Location: Memphis, TN 38132Department: Student Services
Reports To: Principal
Employment Type: Full-Time
School Level: K–5
Location: Southern Avenue Charter School

POSITION SUMMARY

The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) is responsible for providing comprehensive social work services to students and families to support students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, mental well-being, and overall success in the school environment. The Licensed Social Worker works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, counselors, special education personnel, families, and community agencies to identify and address barriers that may interfere with a student's ability to learn and thrive.

The Licensed Social Worker provides individual and group support, crisis intervention, case management, family engagement, behavioral support, and referrals to appropriate community resources. The position also assists the school in maintaining a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support

Provide individual and group social work services to students experiencing academic, behavioral, social, emotional, or family-related challenges.
Conduct social-emotional assessments and assist in identifying student needs.
Develop and implement appropriate intervention strategies based on individual student needs.
Provide crisis intervention and support to students experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed.
Assist students in developing appropriate coping, communication, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.
Support students experiencing grief, family changes, trauma, bullying, or other significant life events.
Maintain appropriate documentation of services, interventions, referrals, and student progress.

Case Management

Coordinate services for students who require additional social, behavioral, or community support.
Participate in Student Support Team, MTSS/RTI, IEP, 504, and other intervention meetings as appropriate.
Collaborate with school personnel to develop appropriate student intervention plans.
Monitor referrals and follow up with students, families, and service providers.
Coordinate with outside agencies and community providers when appropriate and authorized.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with applicable laws and school policies.

Family Engagement

Establish positive and professional relationships with parents and guardians.
Provide families with information regarding available school, community, and social services.
Assist families in accessing resources related to housing, food, transportation, healthcare, counseling, and other basic needs.
Conduct parent/guardian conferences and provide support related to student concerns.
Encourage meaningful family involvement in the student's educational and social-emotional development.

Behavioral and Mental Health Support

Collaborate with teachers and administrators to address student behavioral concerns.
Assist in developing positive behavioral interventions and support strategies.
Provide social-emotional learning support and preventative programming.
Identify students who may benefit from additional mental health or community-based services and make appropriate referrals.
Participate in school crisis response and intervention activities as needed.

School Collaboration

Work closely with teachers, administrators, counselors, special education staff, and other school personnel.
Provide consultation to teachers regarding student social-emotional and behavioral needs.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings concerning student progress and intervention.
Assist with developing and implementing school-wide initiatives that promote student well-being, positive behavior, and school engagement.
Support the school's efforts to maintain a safe, equitable, and supportive learning environment.

Community Resources

Develop and maintain professional relationships with community organizations and service providers.
Maintain an updated directory of community resources available to students and families.
Refer students and families to appropriate agencies and services based on identified needs.
Follow up on referrals to help ensure students and families receive appropriate services.

Compliance and Documentation

Maintain accurate and timely case notes, service records, referrals, and other required documentation.
Follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and professional standards governing school social work.
Follow school policies and procedures related to student safety, confidentiality, mandated reporting, and professional conduct.
Complete required reports and documentation within established timelines.
Protect confidential student and family information.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING

The Licensed Social Worker must understand and comply with all applicable mandatory reporting requirements. The employee is responsible for promptly reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities and following school procedures for documenting and communicating such concerns.
QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

Required

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
Current Tennessee social work licensure appropriate to the position (LSW or other applicable license as required).
Experience working with children, adolescents, families, or school-aged populations preferred.
Knowledge of social-emotional development, behavioral intervention strategies, and family support services.
Strong communication, organization, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

School social work experience.
Experience working in an elementary school or educational setting.
Experience with MTSS/RTI, IEPs, 504 Plans, and student intervention processes.
Experience providing crisis intervention and trauma-informed support.
Knowledge of community resources and family assistance programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

Knowledge of child and adolescent social-emotional development.
Knowledge of behavioral and social work intervention practices.
Understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Ability to assess student and family needs.
Ability to establish effective relationships with students, families, and staff.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong case management and organizational skills.
Ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Ability to respond appropriately and professionally during crisis situations.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
Commitment to supporting student achievement and overall well-being.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a school environment.
May require working with students individually, in small groups, or in classroom settings.
May involve responding to student behavioral or emotional crises.
May require occasional travel to community agencies, student homes, or other locations when authorized.
May require occasional evening events, parent meetings, professional development, or school activities.
Must be able to maintain a professional and safe environment for students and staff.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the school building as necessary.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff.
Ability to respond promptly to student needs and emergency situations.
Ability to perform duties in an active school environment.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The Licensed Social Worker is expected to:

Maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.
Demonstrate respect and compassion toward students and families.
Maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive student information.
Provide timely and appropriate services to students.
Maintain accurate documentation.
Communicate effectively with school leadership and staff.
Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and respect for diverse families and backgrounds.
Promote a positive, safe, and supportive school climate.
Participate in professional development and maintain required licensure and credentials.
Support the mission, vision, policies, and goals of Southern Avenue Charter School.