Job Description of the Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist / Social WorkerUpdated: November 30, 2023Title: School Social Worker (title approved 12/5/24)Reports To: Building Principal Job Overview: The Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist for the Berlin School District works with students, families and school personnel from all grade levels within the district (K-12). Integrated Behavioral Health Specialists are trained mental health professionals who are included within the student support and wellness team and can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators. They also address social/emotional challenges, truancy issues and safety concerns of the students. Integrated Behavioral Health Specialists may also provide both individual and group counseling.
They are the link between home, school and community in providing both direct and indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students academic and social success.Qualifications: Masters Degree in Social Work and job-related experience as a School Social Worker, LCSW, School Psychologist, M-LADAC, LCMHC or School Counselor with significant counseling experience.Salary: Teacher Pay ScaleGeneral Responsibilities: Identify social, emotional, and psychological barriers to student achievement and develop intervention strategies to address themAssess home, community and school conditions impacting a students social and academic achievement, including home visits if appropriateComplete biopsychosocial assessments to identify mental health concerns and refer to appropriate servicesDevelop referral pathways for community mental health and related services and assist families in the referral processAssist school administrators and student support/wellness team in crisis response and de-escalationServe as a liaison between the school and community mental health agencies, DCYF, and the court/juvenile justice systemProvide individual, small group, and classroom wide servicesEnhance the emotional/behavior management capacity of the school staff in the form of professional development and/or individual classroom consultationParticipate in special education assessment meetings as well as individual education planning meetingsWork to identify and mitigate problems within a childs living situation that affect the childs adjustment in schoolAssist in developing positive behavior intervention plans (BIPs)Counseling (group, individual and/or family)Services to students: Provide crisis interventionDevelop individual intervention strategies to increase academic and social successAssist with conflict resolution and anger managementSupport students in developing and utilizing appropriate social interaction skillsSupport students to better understand and accept themselves and othersServices to parents/families: Work with parents/guardians to facilitate their support in their childrens academic and social well being and successAssist in alleviating family stress to enable the child to function more effectively within school and the communityAssist parents/guardians to access programs available to students with special needsAssist parents/guardians in accessing and utilizing school and community resourcesServices to school personnel: Provide staff with essential information to better understand factors (societal, cultural, economic, familial, health, etc.) affecting a students performance and behaviorDeveloping staff in-service training programsAssisting teachers with behavior managementProvide direct support to staffSchool-community liaison: Obtaining and coordinating community resources to meet students needsHelping school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agenciesAdvocating for new and improved community/school service to meet the needs of students and familiesHelping the system respond effectively to each childs needsServices to the district: Developing alternative programs for students with attendance concerns or problems with the lawIdentifying and reporting child abuse and neglectProviding consultation regarding school law and school policy including IDEA and Section 504Providing case management for students and families requiring multiple resourcesAttend and participate in all PBIS related meeting to discuss unique strategies to address and reduce or eliminate challenges associated with students academic and social successDesired Qualities: Strong verbal and written communication skillsBe comfortable and effective in conflict resolutionAdvocacy- for students, families, and staffAbility to prioritize tasksEthical integrity and collaboration with other SSWs as necessaryDependableTeam-orientedPossess strong leadership skillsDevelop and maintain strong personal and professional boundariesMaintain accurate documentation and recordsPractices self-care (mental, emotional, physical and spiritual) in order to maintain overall wellness and prevent burn-outDesire to challenge social injusticeRespect the dignity and worth of all peopleRecognize the central importance of human relationshipsTrustworthinessDevelop and maintain competency in scope of practicePossess a strong desire to help those in need who are facing social challenges
