Job Title: Social Worker  

Location: Schools TBD

Reports To: Building Principal

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 10 month, Board of Education approved calendar / Exempt

Salary Schedule: Commensurate with degree and experience.

Position Purpose:  The Social Worker will promote and enhance the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning. The Social Worker significantly contributes to the development of a healthy, safe and caring environment by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success and by implementing effective intervention strategies. Integrated into all major functions are home, school, and community assimilation; diversity and cultural competence; dropout prevention; and adherence to federal and state statutes; professional development and practices and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.  This is a grant funded position and is not guaranteed beyond the grant period.  

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Empower students, families and school personnel to access available opportunities and resources to fully develop each student’s potential.
• Use knowledge and understanding of the reciprocal influences of home, school and community to intervene for student’s success via such practices as assessment, crisis intervention, home visits, conflict resolution, individual and group counseling, consultation, program development, dropout prevention and coordinator of school and community services.
• Advocate for appropriate services for students and their families.
• Consult and collaborate with stakeholders on behalf of students and their families.
• Effectively plan, implement and evaluate programs that promote student and family success.
• Coordinate access to services provided by outside agencies to students within the educational setting.
• Advocate, facilitate, and contribute to accountability for outcomes aligned with local, state and federal policies and guidelines.
• Maintain case files and reports to track student problems and progress and to recognize patterns of behavior.
• Assist in remediation by providing counseling, treatment plans or workshops.
• Has a strong understanding of relevant laws and policies such as FERPA, HIPPA and ensure that the school maintains compliance.
• Has an understanding and ability to work with a diverse student population.
• Shows evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by district policy as well as the State Board of Education.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission & vision of the OPS district

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by principal or central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment:  This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine.  Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel:  Limited travel may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in school building environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited college/university is required.
• Must have a valid Nebraska License with endorsements in the area of Master Social Work and Mental Health Practitioner.
• Experience working in a community social service agency, clinical background and/or urban education history highly desirable/preferred.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both oral and written, ability to communicate well with school personnel, staff, district office staff, families, and community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as needed by work assignments.
• Ability to problem-solve, mediate, and multi-task.
• Knowledge of outside agencies which offers services for students and families.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Omaha Public School’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of Social Workers in achieving each of them.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time, and the Teacher Contract. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of a Teacher Contract presented by OPS.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)   

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.