This posting is for candidates who would like to be considered for any and all 1.0 FTE position Social Worker openings at OUSD. There is also an Eligibility Pool posting for a 0.5 FTE Social Worker position. This is not an advertisement of a current vacancy at OUSD but rather an opportunity to submit applications to be screened for anticipated vacancies. Please also apply to any site specific positions you may be interested in.

 

This position will provide Social Work support services as described below in the context of Newcomer population issues and needs. Some specific work to this position could include and not be limited to:

• Provide case management (from occasional to intensive), connecting students to basic needs, medical care, mental health services, legal providers, school support, extracurricular activities, benefits, etc. Coordinate with on- and off-site providers to ensure continuity of care, providing "warm hand-offs" as needed.
• Provide supportive short term counseling which may look like occasional “check ins” or emotional supports as needed.*
• Clinical group counseling (topics such as acculturation, healthy relationships, grief/loss and self esteem) and non-clinical groups (topics such as leadership development, lunch bunches, culture groups, etc.)
• Crisis response including but not limited to threat assessments (threat of harm to self or others). 
• Home visits where necessary.
• Support and facilitate school celebrations and recognitions, as well as celebrations within newcomer programs.
• Facilitate school based peer mentor and/or adult mentor programs.
• Support access where appropriate to student leadership, restorative justice, extracurricular activities, after school programming, and summer opportunities.
• Implementation of systematized intake and orientation system including student basic needs assessment, tour and possible use of peer buddies to support in welcoming new students.
• Full participation of social workers in site COST teams to support effective triaging and tracking of interventions.
• Support implementation of systematic school intake and orientation processes aligned with best practices.
• Advocate for equitable newcomer access to school- and community-based services and resources. 
• Seek out and leverage opportunities to get student voice and engagement in the ongoing development of supports.
• Support newcomer students, families, and school staff in ensuring equitable access to the Options/Enrollment process.
• Provide professional development for teachers and other staff around addressing the needs of newcomer students and consult with teachers/staff to collaboratively develop best approaches for supporting newcomer students.

 

BASIC FUNCTION: Under general direction of assigned supervisor provide case management; conduct individual and family assessments; make referrals, provide crisis intervention counseling, and facilitate education groups for students, parents, and school staff.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Aligned with State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Specialization in School Social Work
• Assess home, school, personal, and community factors that may affect a students’ learning. E
• Interview students to provide skill assessment and identification of needs. E
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and other staff regarding social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students to evaluate and make recommendations in developing and implementing an appropriate plan for students. E
• Identify and provide intervention strategies for students and their families, including counseling, case management, and crisis intervention counseling. E
• Determine which students need immediate assessment and prioritize services. E
• Participate in Individualized Education Program Meetings; coordinate Service Team Meetings, Student Study Team Meetings, and Student Attendance Review Team/ Board Meetings as appropriate; facilitate teams as necessary to accomplish proper results. E
• Identify problems contributing to students’ attendance issues; develop and implement programs to provide students opportunities to improve their attendance. E
• Prepare written materials about the available agencies; makes presentations to students, families, and staff. E
• Provide outreach casework and support services including home visits, individual and group short-term counseling, family intervention and student group. E
• Assist students and their families in obtaining necessary services, monitor progress toward successful utilization and completion of services. E
• Serve as District liaison among students and their families, group home personnel, community agencies, county probation departments, and the Department of Social Services. E
• Develop and maintain necessary tracking mechanisms and records to manage casework, including follow-up information. E
• Advocate for students and their families who experience difficulties in obtaining necessary services. E
• Participate with staff in education such as mental health, diversity, growth and development, self-esteem, sexuality, and drug/alcohol. E
• Coordinate and facilitate inter-agency services for students including students’ educational and social background, high school completion plan, vocational assessment, and emancipation plan. E
• Maintain confidentiality. E
• Attend all required meetings and trainings. E
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology or a closely related field. 
• A Master’s degree in social work.
• Experience working with children or in an educational setting.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Social Work authorization
• Valid California Driver’s License
• Employment eligibility that may include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing workscope
• Principles and practices of social casework, including group work and community organizations
• Current instructional materials and techniques governing workscope
• Diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students
• Psychosocial, emotional interviewing techniques for students and families
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques

ABILITY TO:

• Interpret and implement applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures, and District regulations governing workscope
• Maintain current knowledge of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations and new developments and research in the field governing workscope
• Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing 
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action 
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Work independently 
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship among students, parents, District staff, and the community 
• Plan and organize work
• Follow oral and written instructions 
• Compile and analyze information and prepare reports
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT:
Office environment, school site, home visits; driving a vehicle to conduct work; fast-paced work; constant interruptions; potential exposure to violent and emotional students and dissatisfied adults

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Consistent mental alertness; standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods of time; properly restrain individuals to ensure safety; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling moderate weight objects; bending and twisting at waist and neck; kneeling and bending at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both arms and hands, and fingers while performing duties, seeing to read, write, and use a computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information in person or on the telephone and make presentations.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.