Social Worker/Counselor for ReNEW Therapeutic Program

#1 Performing Open-Enrollment Network in New Orleans

#1 Academic Growth in Louisiana

POSITION DETAILS:

We are seeking an experienced and fully licensed School Social Worker/Counselor for the ReNEW Therapeutic Program (RTP), an innovative, intensive therapeutic program for students in K-8th grade with severe behavioral and mental health needs. As a social worker/counselor for RTP, you will play a pivotal role in providing therapeutic support and guidance to children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and/or mental health challenges. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), foster emotional growth, and promote positive behavioral changes in a structured school-based setting.

WHO WE ARE:

At ReNEW, we transform underperforming schools into academically rigorous schools that prepare students for the next level of achievement, including high school, college, and career. ReNEW is dedicated to helping staff members become outstanding at their craft. With a high focus on professional development and individual coaching at both the school-level and the network-level, we are committed to helping you become the best professional you can be.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

The School Social Worker/Counselor will report to the RTP Director and the network Director of Mental Health and Pupil Appraisal and will serve as part of the school based Student Support Team. It is expected that the School Social Worker/Counselor will fulfill the following:

Behavioral Management and Skill Building

- Implement behavior modification strategies and skill-building activities to improve coping mechanisms, social skills, and emotional regulation.
- Work closely with students and families to develop and reinforce positive behaviors and adaptive responses to stressors.

Crisis Intervention

- Conduct suicidal/homicidal threat assessments
- Support in de-escalation and conduct and crisis assessments for students experiencing a mental health crisis
- Support mandated reporting of abuse/neglect as needed

Special Education Related Service Provider

- Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions using evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques as indicated by a student’s IEP
- Write IEP Instructional Plans, attend IEP meetings, and write IEP Progress Reports for all students on caseload
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and support the development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Crisis Plans for students
- Complete other special education and related services requirements as assigned

Pupil Appraisal

- Participate in Student Evaluation Plan (SEP) meetings
- Conduct psychosocial family interviews for all re-evaluations and complete a written summary
- Administer parent rating scales (BASC-3, ABAS-3, Connors, etc.) when requested

Service Coordination

- Collaborate with teachers, support staff, leadership teams, and culture teams in support of all students  
- Connect families in need of services to local community resources as it relates to mental health, basic needs, housing, food insecurity, or other needs experienced by families living in low-income communities including conducting home visits as needed
- Serve as the school based coordinator for Homeless students and families, for students in Foster Care, and for outside Behavioral Health Providers
- Serve as point of contact for the Office of Student Support and Attendance, Juvenile Court, and Municipal Court for students receiving case management services, juvenile justice involved students, and families referred for truancy
- Collaborate with team members to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each student's specific challenges and goals

Documentation and Reporting

- Document all student services/activities in Accelify/Frontline and document all parent/family contacts in SchoolRunner
- Complete Monthly Mental Health Report to the Director of Mental Health and Pupil Appraisal and update Campus Mental Health, Homeless, Behavioral Health Provider, and FBA/BIP trackers accordingly
- Maintain Clinical File for all students on caseload and student files related to other services as provided
- Complete any additional documentation and reporting as designated by the network Director of Mental Health and Pupil Appraisal and/or Director of RTP

WHAT YOU BRING

License & Certification

- Must have a current and active license as an LMSW/LCSW under the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners or as an PLPC/LPC under the Louisiana State Board of Licensed Professional Counselors

Experience and Expertise

- 2+ years in an urban school community providing school based social work/counseling services
- Strong clinical skills in providing evidenced based mental health and behavioral interventions to children and adolescents ages 4-16
- Experience creating and executing high quality systems
- Knowledge of local community resources for special populations related to students and families from low-income communities
- Ability to advocate for students and families while working in partnership with school staff
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and exceptional organizational skills
- Excellent oral and written communication skills