Job Title: Social Worker, ESL Teen Literacy Center

Location: 3030 Spaulding Street, Omaha, NE 68131

Reports To: ESL Teen Literacy Center Administrator, EL Coordinator

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 10-month, Board of Education approved calendar / Exempt

Salary Schedule: Commensurate with degree and experience

Start Date: TBD, looking to fill during this current school year.

Position Purpose: The ESL Teen Literacy Center social worker will promote and enhance the overall mission of the English Learner program by providing services that strengthen home/school/community partnerships and alleviate barriers to learning specific to newcomer students and families; specifically secondary English Language Learners with interrupted or limited formal schooling. This position will include also support successful transition of newcomers from the ESL Teen Literacy Center to their assigned high school.

The 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 success and by implementing effective intervention strategies. Integrated into all major functions are home, school, and community assimilation; diversity and cultural competence; dropout prevention; and adherence to federal and state statutes; professional development and practices and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited college/university is required.

Must have a valid Nebraska License with endorsements in the area of Master Social Work and Mental Health Practitioner or ability to obtain, required.

Experience working in a community social service agency, clinical background and/or urban education history highly desirable/preferred.

Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations, including knowledge of the role of resettlement agencies.

Bilingual English/Spanish, preferred.

Knowledge of outside agencies which offers services for students and families.

Knowledge of the specific needs of adolescents, including unaccompanied minors and students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE).

Demonstrate a high level of cultural competence, sensitivity and responsiveness.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both oral and written.

Ability to communicate well with school personnel, staff, district office staff, families, and community.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as needed by work assignments.

Ability to problem-solve, mediate, and multi-task.

Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.

Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.

Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations.

Knowledge of Omaha Public School’s mission, purpose, goals and the role of Social Workers in achieving each of them.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

Empower families to access available opportunities and resources to successfully navigate the US school system and community.

Use knowledge and understanding of the reciprocal influences of home, school and community to intervene for student’s success via such practices as assessment, crisis intervention, home visits, conflict resolution, individual and group counseling, consultation, program development, dropout prevention and coordinator of school and community services.

Collaborate with English learner program leaders to ensure successful coordination with and transition of Teen Literacy Center students to the general high school.

Advocate for appropriate services for students and their families, with focus on specific needs of immigrant and refugee populations.

Consult and collaborate with stakeholders on behalf of students and their families.

Advocate, facilitate, and contribute to accountability for outcomes aligned with local, state and federal policies and guidelines.

Maintain case files and reports to track student problems and progress and to recognize patterns of behavior.

Record data required for Title III Immigrant Education reports and/or Refugee School Impact reports.

Assist in remediation by providing counseling, treatment plans or workshops.

Has a strong understanding of relevant laws and policies such as FERPA and HIPPA to ensure that the school maintains compliance.

Has an understanding and ability to work with a diverse student population.

Shows evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by district policy as well as the State Board of Education.

Demonstrates a commitment to the mission & vision of the OPS district.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS’s guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel may be required, including local, regional and/or national Migrant conferences in Spring and Fall.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.

Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Work in school building environments.

Interrelations:

Contact with personnel within the district and with customers and vendors.

Will be working under the direct supervision of the department supervisor in order to complete day to day tasks.

Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.

Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.

Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.

Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee’s supervisor or building administrator.

All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt classified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

The offer of employment is contingent upon:

Obtaining and providing verification of all licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position (e.g., Paraprofessionals obtaining “Highly Qualified status,” etc.), as identified and maintaining all licenses, certificates, and requirements for your position throughout employment.

A background check which demonstrates to OPS that background is acceptable for the position.

Verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug test (if required for position offered).

Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required for position offered).

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.