Durango School District 9-R is accpeting applications for a School Social Worker in the Therapeutic Day School for the 2020/2021 school year.  Position begins August 2020.

SUMMARY: Provides a full range of school social work services to maximize student achievement and create a critical link between the home and the school. Responsible for providing comprehensive SEL supports and direct services to students within the Therapeutic Day School and provide coaching to program staff. This position will lead the implementation of evidence-based SEL, behavioral health, and trauma-informed interventions and services, as well as engage as a leader in student Personalized Learning Plan development and implementation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• 10% Provide the training and the tools that will enable school staff and parents to understand and meet their child’s social and emotional needs. 

• 15% Provide social work services as a member of the Student Support Team in student assessment, evaluation, educational and treatment planning, progress monitoring, and transition supports, in accordance with all applicable federal, State and local codes and regulations. Assist with the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEP’s) and Personalized Learning Plans for program students, monitor the implementation of plans, and participate in the annual reviews. 

• 10% Complete a diagnostic social history on students referred to the Therapeutic Day School for the purposes of evaluation, assessment of need, and student identification.

• 10% Maintain an on-going relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student’s educational program, assisting the family in cooperatively improving the student’s home and school adjustment, using mediation techniques to resolve disputes, providing home management counseling, and assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community and school resources. 

• 20% Assume leadership and collaborative roles in identifying and working with students with social and emotional challenges that may interfere with effective learning through the development of program and intervention implementation and staff coaching plans for the Therapeutic Day School and home-school teams. 

• 20% Work with and counsel identified students to enhance their personal and social growth and increase their responsibility for behavior and attitudes. Provide opportunities and resources for students to increase academic success, improve interpersonal relationships, learn problem-solving and decision-making skills, and resolve conflicts and crisis situations. 

• 2% Conduct home visits when appropriate. 

• 5% Serve as a member of the School and District Crisis Team. 

• 5% Provide support to community-based student providers connected with the Therapeutic Day School. 

• Ongoing 3% Perform other duties as assigned. 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Master’s degree in Social Work, Colorado Department of Education License for school social work or eligible for Colorado state licensure. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training required within two months of hire. 

EXPERIENCE: Experience is preferred but may not be necessary for hiring. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, & REGISTRATIONS: Valid driver’s license required. Must hold or be able to obtain by start date a Colorado Department of Education License for social work. 

TECHNICAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES:  

• Communicate effectively in written and oral form using positive interpersonal skills 
• Consultation skills 
• Ability to develop and support the behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems 
• Ability to use effective interventions for at risk learners  Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis Knowledge of developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities 
• Experience in data collection and data analysis 
• Ability to develop and provide training related to accessing community resources and behavioral intervention practices in all school settings. 
• Non-violent and physical intervention techniques 
• Ability to use proper English grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure 
• Knowledge of first aid skills 
• Ability to promote and follow Board of Education and District Policies, Superintendent policies and building/department procedures. 

Durango School District 9-R is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates, or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Laura Galido, Compliance Officer, Durango School District 9-R, 201 E 12th Street, Durango, CO 81301, (970) 247-5411, lgalido@durangoschools.org, or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Spear Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, (303) 844-5695.