Mental Health Social Worker (School Based)

Position Summary: Under the direction of School based Behavioral Health Clinic Supervisor, or his/her designee, provides targeted, selective, and universal services to students, their families, and school staff using various behavioral health methods, including individual, group and family therapy/ counseling, crisis intervention, workshops, staff consultations and trainings. These functions are performed under general supervision, necessitating the ability to exercise independent and sound judgment.

Essential Duties:

• Participates with interdisciplinary team members in developing and implementing program policies and procedures and preventing crises.
• Assesses the social and emotional needs of students.
• Provides direct counseling/social services to students referred by self, health team, faculty, administration and other school ancillary staff.
• Tracks and follows up on all referrals made in and out of school.
• Establishes referral network/linkages with outside agencies for both students and parents.
• Engages with entire school community; participates and presents at PA meetings, teacher meetings, assemblies, etc.
• Serves as an advocate for patients' rights within the clinic and serves as a mediator between parents, child and school.
• Remains available for crisis intervention services as the need arises or arranges for such coverage by emergency social services.
• Records professional assessments, identifies problems, treatment plans and progress notes as required by NYS regulations and policies and procedures, and the Children's Aid Society.
• Is competent to care for patients based upon the age groups treated.
• Ensures that all students, visitors, guests, as well as co-workers, receive personalized, prompt attention and are treated with receptiveness, dignity and respect, no matter how limited the contact.
• Implements philosophy and objectives of program.
• Comply with all privacy laws including HIPAA, etc.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Social Work required with a valid New York State License (LMSW) or LMSW must be obtained within 3 months of employment.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with adolescents, families, professionals and other personnel from a wide range of cultural, social and economic backgrounds.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not to tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.