Responsibilities

A. Professional Knowledge and Application

• The School Social Worker understands the philosophical, theoretical, historical, and legal foundations of special education. The School Social Worker understands how students differ in their approaches to learning; creates social/emotional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners; understands planning; and designs services based on knowledge of the discipline, student, community, and curriculum goals; of all students ages three through twenty-one.

• The School Social Worker understands the central concepts and methods of inquiry; uses a variety of assessment strategies to develop and encourage students' development of self-regulation, problem solving, decision making, coping, social communication/interaction, and performance skills. The School Social Worker understands the educational assessment process and uses various assessment strategies to support the continuous development of all students ages three through twenty-one.

• The School Social Worker understands his or her role as a professional, establishing high standards of reciprocal collaborative relationships with students, families, community and educational personnel, and provides continual leadership in development of relationship building. The School Social Worker understands self-reflection, the importance of active participation in problem solving teams; importance of the development of programs or systems of care that support and enhance the health, social and emotional well-being, and safety of students.

• The School Social Worker understands his or her role as a professional, maintains standards of professional conduct, and provides leadership to improve students' learning and well-being. The School Social Worker understands self-reflection, the importance of efficient data collection and manipulation; continuously pursuing professional development opportunities and researched based supports in communication abilities.