Job Description:

Position Title: Social Worker
Program: River Street Autism Program (RSAP) – Birken Campus (Full Time)
 
General Purpose:

River Street Autism Program is a comprehensive program for students identified with autism spectrum disorder from preschool through grade 8. The Social Worker at River Street Autism Program (RSAP) will provide students, parents, administrators, and program staff with individually tailored support and consultation to overcome personal, emotional, familial, or social issues that maximize the students' learning experience so they can function to the best of their ability.  The ideal candidate will have knowledge of autism spectrum disorders and strong awareness of community-based supports that can be leveraged to support students and families. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work as a member of a multidisciplinary team to support students’ overall educational experience
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs.
• Participates in planning and placement team (PPT) process 
• Ability to respond appropriately to crisis situations and appropriately assess students for safety
• Build rapport with students and their families/caregivers
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Performs case management services for students including but not limited to family/caregiver contact, community-based resources and engagement, state and local agencies and service providers
• Performs casework services with students and parents to encourage parental understanding of, and participation in, overcoming social issues to maximize the educational experience of the student.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
•  Support and provide social skills training and curriculum in conjunction with clinical team members
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training, as needed.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other materials for use in individual and group sessions.

Additional Duties

•  Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Program Director, Director or their designee and other central office administrators.  

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities 

• Connecticut State Certification as a Social Worker.
• Master’s degree in social work.
• Minimum of 2 years working with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in applied settings (school experience preferred)
• Knowledge of Social Work principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven behavior management methods.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, parents and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
• Knowledge of Autism, Intellectual Disability and other diagnoses that impact student learning and social functioning.
• Direct experience working in an environment with children, adolescents and/or adults with Developmental, Physical and Emotional challenges.
• Direct experience working with families, caregivers, guardians, Educational Surrogates and Public-School Systems.
• Direct experience working with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Developmental Services, other state and federal agencies that provide assistance to students and families.

 
Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
  
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. 
 
To access CREC job description and salary ranges, please visit https://www.crec.org/careers/jobs.php

JOB ID#12954

CLOSING DATE: 01/10/2025