Social Worker

Full-Time Social Worker

Position Summary:

The social worker's role is to enhance students' educational progress, to provide counseling, instruction, consultation, collaboration, assessments, and monitoring services for IU5 and/or district designated students, their families, and the staff who support them, and to help students benefit from their educational program. The services of the school social worker are delivered as part of a broader support team and to help reduce the barriers that impede students from benefiting from their educational program. School social workers address the social and psychological issues that can impede school success. Through counseling, crisis intervention, community resourcing, family engagement and prevention programs, school social workers help students overcome the difficulties in their lives, and as a result, increase the chance of success.

Salary FIRM (2026-2027 school year)

Master's $61,471

Master's +15 $62,866

Master's +30 $64,597

Work Days: 187 work days per school year

PTO: 10 paid sick days, 3 Personal Days, 2 Emergency Days per school year (based on start date)

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance upon hire date. $75/month for individuals or families.

Life Insurance: $50,000 provided at no cost to employee

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work
• Current Pennsylvania Department of State issued license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Valid and active PA certification as a School Social Worker PK-12, Educational Specialist

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide direct services to students, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Develop intervention plans tailored to individual student needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support students' educational goals.
• Consult with parents and guardians to provide guidance and support for addressing student needs.
• Partner with community agencies to access additional resources and services for students and families.
• Participate in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Implement IEP goals related to social, emotional, and behavioral support.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of services provided, student progress, and communications with stakeholders.
• Coordinate services for students and families, ensuring seamless access to necessary resources.
• Follow up with students and families to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure adherence to SBAP and PDE regulations and guidelines.
• Document all services provided to students, including dates, duration, and nature of services.
• Prepare and submit reimbursement claims for eligible services under the SBAP.
• Maintain compliance with Medicaid billing requirements and other relevant regulations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices, regulations, and emerging trends.
• Participate in training programs related to mental health, special education, and school-based interventions.
• Seek supervision and consultation as needed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
• Advocate for student needs within the school and community.
• Promote awareness of social, emotional, and behavioral issues affecting students.
• Develop and implement prevention programs to address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Assume all other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Factors/Job Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to explain complex instructions in an easily understandable fashion.
• Uses data effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws that impact operations within the IU.
• Must be flexible and able to tolerate many situations and personalities.
• Must be able to sit at a desk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must have verbal skills to communicate effectively with the public.
• Must be able to withstand emotional stress.
• Must have valid PA driver's license and be able to travel within IU region, and outside of IU region, as required.
• Ability to create and manage appropriate computer applications necessary for program management.
• Must be able to organize and maintain programmatic files.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. Incumbent must be able to sit at desk for extended periods of time. This role routinely uses standard office equipment with a vast majority of the time utilizing computers to complete daily tasks. Due to travel outside of the home office, candidates are required to have a vehicle and valid driver's license to attend to job related duties, meetings, seminars, and trainings.

Physical Demands: (% of time)

Standing: Occasionally (<20%)

Sitting: Frequently (>80%)

Lifting: 0-20lbs. Occasionally (<20%); 20-50 lbs. Occasional (<20%); Over 50 lbs. Rarely (<10%)

Travel: Regular (>50%)

Pushing/Pulling: Occasional (<20%)

Manual Keying/Data Entry: Often (30-60%)