Social Worker - Lowcountry Connections Academy

Company Summary

At Connections Academy, helping students maximize their potential and meet the highest performance standards through a uniquely individualized learning program is at the core of our mission. Connections Academy was founded in 2001 to deliver high-quality, highly accountable online education to students in grades K-12. Hallmarks of Connections Academy-supported online schools include personalized learning, an award-winning curriculum and Education Management System (EMS), dedicated state-certified teachers, and a supportive school community.  Parents of enrolled students consistently share their satisfaction with Connections Academy: 92% “would recommend the schools to other families” and 95% say the curriculum is “high quality.” In 2017, Connections Academy-supported public schools serve students in 27 states, while the private online school, International Connections Academy meets the online school needs of students worldwide. Recognized for its outstanding curriculum and leadership, Connections Academy is committed to expanding quality education through technology, and helping students achieve both academic and personal success. Connections Academy is part of the global learning company, Pearson, and its Online & Blended Learning group. For more information, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com. 

Position Summary and Responsibilities:

Working primarily from your home in South Carolina, this 10-month School Social Worker will promote the academic mission by providing services that strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning.  The School Social Worker significantly contributes to the development of a healthy, safe, and caring environment by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student successes and by implementing effective intervention strategies. 

The Social Worker will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Connect students and families with available school and community resources to develop individual potential and remove barriers to attendance and academic success;
• Coordinate with school staff to identify students who are “at risk” or “in crisis” and act as the main point of contact, communicating regularly with these students and families and implementing programs when needed;
• Maintain geographic resource bank and assist with community resource referrals; 
• Participate in the development of crisis prevention and management plans for the school;
• Conduct home visits when determined necessary and appropriate by administration;
• Report and refer critical incidents that jeopardize student well-being as obligated by law, administrative regulations, or ethical standards;
• Attend trainings regarding child abuse and neglect, homelessness, foster care and other social work issues;
• Support professional development activities for school staff;
• Collaborate closely with school counseling team and school administrators; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited Institution 
• Licensed by the South Carolina Board of Social Work Examiners
• Experience as a professional School Social Worker
• Demonstrated interest in working with at-risk youth (K-12th Grades)
• Knowledge and familiarity with specific South Carolina resources and agencies that will assist in the healthy social, mental, and academic development of students and families
• Comprehension and application of federal, state and local laws
• Ability to work remotely
• Ability to travel across the state of South Carolina to conduct home visits, support families, and work with agencies as needed
• Willingness to travel on occasion for school events (may require occasional overnight travel)
• Willingness to work flexible summer hours for an additional stipend
• Grammatically accurate written and oral skills to communicate ideas clearly and concisely
• Ability to work effectively as a team member and under stressful conditions at times
• High degree of flexibility and independence

Equal Opportunity Employer
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