Social Services Specialist

JOB TITLE: Social Services Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Student Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Health Services

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, 10-month contract

SALARY: Based on Degree and Years of Experience

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Preferred Bachelor's or Master's Degree in social work, public health, education, or a related field. Candidates with some college and relevant experience will be considered.

Experience: Experience in social work, children and families, or education preferred. Understanding of Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) Child Welfare and Adult and Family Services Programs (TANF, SNAP, WIC, Child Care, Medicaid, etc.).

Skills: Strong initiative, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to brainstorm creative solutions in stressful situations and navigate complex systems. Ability to travel between school sites within the district. Commitment to confidentiality, cultural competence, and trauma-informed practices.

SUMMARY: The Social Services Specialist (SSS) supports students, families, and school personnel by connecting them to school and community resources aimed at removing barriers to student academic success as well as ensuring student safety and well-being. The SSS is responsible for fostering a collaborative environment between the families, the schools, as well as Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) and other community agencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: These statements are intended to describe the responsibilities assigned to the position and are not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

• Collaborate with administrators, school counselors, and other school staff to identify, assess, and meet the needs of at-risk students and families by connecting them with appropriate school and community resources.
• Make home visits as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between the schools, families, as well as OKDHS and other community agencies.
• Attend multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Participate in school events such as enrollment, open houses, or community resource events to assist and ensure students, families, and school personnel have current information regarding services provided.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with policies, laws, and regulations.
• Participate in professional development to stay up-to-date on relevant education, social services, and OKDHS best practices and policies.
• Meet monthly with an experienced OKDHS Program Field Representative for consultation and training.
• Track and analyze data related to referrals and program effectiveness.
• Maintain accountability through accurate documentation, timely communication, and compliance with school, district, and OKDHS policies, ethical standards, and mandated reporting requirements.

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIOR: Ability to use sound judgment in any situation. Ability to receive and appropriately respond to directions from administration. Must be consistent in the performance of job responsibilities and be able to respond to complaints appropriately. Must have strong organizational and communication skills and work cooperatively with district staff while achieving the duties, functions, responsibilities, and objectives of the job.

ATTENDANCE STATEMENT: Able to be in attendance for assigned responsibilities with 95% attendance.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Primarily inside working conditions; some exposure to environmental conditions may be required.

PHYSICAL STANDARDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.