School Social Worker

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.

Position Overview  ( Hours: 10:00AM-6:30PM )

Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of School Support Services, the School Social Worker provides social work services to students, parents and school staff and will promote and enhance the overall school academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement. School Social Worker will support the school’s social and emotional wellness strategies on a Tier I level, as well as individualized Tier II/III intensive supports.

Duties

• Works directly with the Expanded Learning Program (aka after-school program) at Charter Elementary School (TK-5th) and Charter Middle School (6-8th) to support students’ social-emotional-behavior growth throughout the day.
• Collaborates with other School Support Services team members and other school personnel to provide quality mental health and social services to PLN community.
• Provides ongoing individual and group counseling for students needing Tier 2/3 support.
• Conducts assessments for suicide, homicide and self-harm; member of school crisis team.
• Facilitate student clubs or workshops that promote positive culture, climate & wellbeing.
• Coordinates or supports with school-wide campaigns.
• Supports families in understanding school interventions related to social, emotional, or behavioral incidents; conduct necessary follow ups (i.e. check-in’s, parent meetings, conflict resolutions).
• Able to build collaborative relationships with day and after school teachers to better address in-class behaviors.
• Facilitates parent workshops/groups based on community needs; able to implement innovated strategies to enhance family engagement.
• Develop and maintain relationship with Union Rescue Mission (URM) to better support homeless students and families; collaborate with schools’ homeless liaisons as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, staff trainings and professional consultation.
• Promotes collaboration among external service providers and facilitates student access to these services by working with the Family Specialist for case management needs.
• Maintains accurate case records and documentation.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and abides by said laws and regulations with emphasis on persons with disabilities, child welfare, mental health, confidentiality, and student and parent rights.
• Able to articulate the details of Mandated Reporting to staff in order to ensure that instances of suspected abuse and/or neglect are handled appropriately.  Support school staff with child abuse reporting when needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bilingual English/Spanish Required.  English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members required.
• At least two years of experience providing direct services to school-age children; experience working within schools preferred.
• An understanding of the IEP process and Special Education programs.
• Knowledge of current state law/regulations regarding school proficiency standards.
• Direct service skills in working with students, parents, and groups.
• Ability to prepare social and family histories and cooperate on the formulation of committee reports.
• Social work case reporting and writing skills.
• Depth in knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate effective liaison relationships with parents, schools, and agencies.
• Ability to conduct effective meetings and conferences.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Required Master’s in Social Work, currently registered as an Associate Clinical Social Worker or Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, currently registered as an MFT Intern, or Masters in School Counseling who is registered as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). LCSW preferred.
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential - required.
• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Current certification in CPR/First Aid.  

Other Requirements 

• Travel Requirements
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.  
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza).  
• DOJ clearance and all other required background checks.  
• Understanding of and ability to use technology such as data systems, pay roll systems, and other agency required programs. 

Physical Requirements  

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.   

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.    

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand, and bend.  
• Must be able to speak and hear well.    
• Good vision is imperative.    
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.    
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance. 

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff   

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:  

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.  
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.  
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.  
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.  
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.  
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.  
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.  
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.  
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.  
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.  
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.  

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer    

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.