JOB SPECIFICATION

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance, the Licensed Clinical Social Worker will provide coordination of educationally related mental health services for students who are eligible for IEP designated Mental Health services at locations within the district, nonpublic school or designated program location.  This includes serving as a mental health consultant to teachers and administrators, case file review, participation in individual educational program (IEP) team meetings, liaison to mental health providers/agencies, coordination of services with families of students, staff development and review of CASEMIS data.

RESPONSIBLE TO:            Director of Child Welfare and Attendance

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

The duties listed are typical, but not exclusive:

• Provide a variety of mental health services such as case consultation and advice concerning student status, eligibility/diagnosis and IEP or mental health treatment plans.
• Participate in a team approach to providing special education services to qualifying students and ensure that mental health related services are available and provided to students in designated programs.
• Consult on assessment processes, review case histories, and help develop IEP driven service plans for students.
• Act as a resource to District staff regarding mental health services transition process for students placed in more restrictive settings.
• Participate in team meetings for students being considered for more restrictive settings including case conferences with appropriate staff members and follow-up activities required for placement to occur in a timely manner.
• Continuously monitor educational benefit for students placed in more restrictive settings through the IEP process by engaging in regularly scheduled case conferences and site visits including nonpublic schools.
• Assist in transitioning students to and/or from educationally related mental health services in support of provision of supports in the least restrictive environment.
• Works with sponsoring universities to provide support and oversight to eligible interns.
• Travel from site to site and/or perform necessary home visits to provide case management monitoring, participation in and/or consultation with IEP teams and collaborative support for families of students placed in more restrictive settings through the IEP process.
• Act as a resource and demonstrate leadership in working with District staff in the development/implementation of educationally related mental health services.
• Provide and/or participate in parent and/or professional staff development activities related to mental health.
• Serve as District liaison to mental health providers/agencies, attending meetings as requested.
• Work collaboratively with District staff involved with mental health funding, data collection, contracts, individual service contracts, billing, program planning, etc.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Normal human behavior and development of children and youth, ages 3-22.
• Psychological and social aspects and characteristics of children with disabilities, particularly emotional disturbance; problems, needs and attitudes of individuals with disabilities, particularly emotional disturbance.
• Evidence-based therapy methods appropriate to meeting the needs of special education students and their families; agencies/resources available to assist children; federal and state laws concerning family rights and behavioral health services.
• Knowledge of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process.
• Best practices for meeting the educationally related mental health needs of students, including residential treatment protocols.
• Pertinent laws, regulations, and SELPA policies/procedures regarding special education, family rights, and social/mental services as needed.
• Assessment of and interventions for mental health needs related to educational success.
• Technical aspects of mental health case management.
• Current trends, innovations and practices in education related mental health service delivery, staff development and program oversight.
• Willingness to abide by the policies and procedures of the Riverside County SELPA in a professional, efficient manner.

ABILITY TO:

• Demonstrate positive working relationships with students, staff, parents, and other professionals in varied socioeconomic and multicultural areas.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Work in teams with other education and/or mental health providers to support positive student growth.
• Promote student adjustment to schools and utilization of district and community services.
• Evaluate efficacy of education related mental health services to students and their families.
• Establish workload priorities, plan and organize work, and meet timelines.
• Be creative and to make decisions based on sound educational principles.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Articulate ideas and information effectively and in writing.
• Operate standard office equipment including computers and related software.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training, experience, and/or education equivalent to master’s degree in psychology, mental health counseling, or social work and two (2) years post-license experience in counseling and crisis intervention to children, adolescents, and their families in an educational setting.  Experience working with youth with more intensive mental health needs and their families is highly preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE

• Licensed by the State of California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Possession of Pupil Personnel Services Credential in: School Psychology or School Social Work.
• Possession of a valid California driver’s license and availability of private transportation (mileage expense reimbursement provided.)

WORK YEAR:                     189 Days

WORK DAY:                        7.5 hours

SALARY:                              Psychologist/Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Behavior Analyst

BOARD APPROVED:        July 14, 2015