Job Title: Youth and Family Specialist
Supervisor: Director of Student Support Services
Pay grade: Teacher Pay Scale
Contract Length: 210 days

JOB SUMMARY:

The Family Services Specialist provides comprehensive school social work services to parents, students and school staff, addressing barriers that limit a student from receiving full benefit from their educational experience. Responds to referrals from school administration, parents, teachers, the Mental Health Support Team, the Special Education Eligibility Committee and others by providing direct services to students and families, assessing the sociocultural environment of the student and by assisting families in accessing appropriate community resources. The specialist will focus on truancy prevention and attendance support.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND/OR ABILITIES REQUIRED)

Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a School Social Worker is preferred but not required. This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field (Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Family & Child Development, Counseling) with preferences given to applicants who possess a Master’s degree with specific courses in education, social work or a related field. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the School Board or Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity, hear and understand speech at normal levels; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds, to bend, stoop, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT)

None.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
Bedford County Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Bedford County Schools to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. The Youth and Family Specialist will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Student Support Services. Bedford County Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time

• Serve on student support teams and special education committees at assigned schools in the division and assist families in understanding their child’s educational needs and special education procedures.
• Review student records to identify previous barriers and/or interventions.
• Conduct parent interviews to acquire socio-developmental information as needed for special education referrals.
• Analyze information gained through record reviews and interviews to determine environmental impacts and appropriate resource needs; integrate gained information into a written report and oral presentation.
• Interview students and parents to discuss issues related to non-attendance and develop a plan of action.
• Assist the school in following school board regulations for excessive absences and truancy; attend student support team meetings and court intervention as requested.
• Develop and implement professional development training for educational staff and parents, as requested.
• Provide individual and/or group counseling in response to school-wide crises.
• Respond to referrals requesting verification of residence.
• Participate in professional development activities aimed at current trends and best practices for the provision of comprehensive school social work and family engagement programs.
• Conduct home visits as a method to access the family and conduct interviews in response to school referrals.
• Maintain an ongoing liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet student needs; refer parents and students to agencies when appropriate.
• Perform related work as required.