Social Worker (Education)

The Social Worker (Education) role at Latitude comes with a variety of responsibilities. Primarily, you will provide emergency assessments for students, offer individual and group therapy, and consult with school staff on student behaviors. You'll also play a vital role in creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and will work extensively with students' families to ensure effective case management and the development of intervention strategies tailored to their specific needs.

To qualify for the Social Worker (Education) position at Latitude, candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited university. A current Maryland State LGSW License is required, with an LCSW-C being preferred. Additionally, having a minimum of one year of direct social work experience with children, youth, and families is essential for this role.

The Social Worker (Education) position at Latitude offers a competitive salary of $70,000 per year. This compensation reflects the important nature of the work performed and the qualifications expected from candidates in this role.

The Social Worker (Education) position at Latitude requires full on-site work for the first six months. This will provide an excellent opportunity for you to become immersed in the school environment, collaborate with educators, and build trustworthy relationships with students and families.

As a Social Worker (Education) at Latitude, you will utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities when providing individual and group therapy. You'll have the flexibility to tailor your approach based on the needs of the students, ensuring that each intervention aligns with their unique behaviors and learning styles.

In emergencies, I prioritize calm and effective communication. I maintain a supportive environment while gathering crucial information about the student's behavior and concerns. My approach involves creating trust and employing rapid assessment tools, focusing on immediate safety and well-being before planning further interventions.

In my previous roles, I collaborated with educators, parents, and specialists to develop IEPs that set achievable goals for students. I ensure that each IEP is tailored to the student’s specific needs, reflecting their strengths and areas for growth, which fosters an inclusive environment conducive to learning.

Building rapport starts with being genuine and approachable. I engage students with active listening, valuing their opinions and emotions. Using creative icebreakers and shared interests helps me connect on a personal level, making them feel safe to express themselves, which is crucial for effective intervention.

I approach conflicts as opportunities for communication and understanding. I mediate conversations between students and educators, encouraging dialogue that clarifies perspectives. My goal is to facilitate empathy and create constructive pathways for resolution, ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.

I use a combination of qualitative and quantitative measures to evaluate progress in therapy. Regular check-ins with students, feedback from teachers and parents, and structured assessment tools help track advancements towards their goals. Adjustments to the treatment plan are made as needed to ensure effective outcomes.

Confidentiality is paramount. I educate families and school staff about privacy protocols and only share information on a need-to-know basis. I uphold all legal and ethical standards, actively involving families in discussions while protecting their rights and sensitive data to foster a trustworthy environment.

Cultural competency is vital in my practice. It allows me to understand the diverse backgrounds of students and their families, tailoring my approaches to be sensitive to cultural differences. I continuously educate myself about various cultures, ensuring my interventions are respectful and effective for each individual.

A successful intervention I implemented involved a student exhibiting anxiety that impacted their classroom performance. I introduced mindfulness techniques that the student could practice both in school and at home. Over time, this significantly improved their engagement and ability to cope with stressors.

I regularly participate in professional development workshops, webinars, and networking events focusing on social work in educational contexts. I also subscribe to relevant journals and am a member of associations that provide valuable insights into current trends and evidence-based practices.

Advocating for a student requires a strong understanding of their needs and open communication with all parties involved. I gather data and feedback from teachers and family, presenting this information in meetings to emphasize the student's strengths and needs. By fostering collaborative relationships, I ensure a unified approach to support.