Tasks:
Job Title: School Social Worker Grade
Levels: KG1 to Gr. 6
Salary: to be discussed according to qualifications & experience
Location: Modern Global International School (DC Branch), Riyadh, KSA Position
Type: Full-Time From 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Starting
Date: January 26th, 2025
End Date: End of Academic School Year, renewable contract for 2025-2026.
Position Overview
The PYP Early Years and Primary School Social Worker will play a pivotal role in fostering the social, emotional, and mental well-being of children and students, ensuring they thrive in a supportive learning environment. This role requires a collaborative, proactive, and culturally sensitive professional who can address individual and systemic needs within the school community while upholding the values of the IB-PYP.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Student Support
- Provide tailored one-on-one counselling sessions for students facing challenges such as anxiety, grief, bullying, or family issues.
- Organize and facilitate small group sessions to help students develop essential skills like teamwork, peer collaboration, and self-regulation.
- Monitor and assess students who exhibit signs of emotional distress or behavioral issues, creating targeted intervention plans in collaboration with teachers and parents.
- Create age-appropriate social-emotional learning (SEL) activities that align with the PYP framework and foster the attributes of the IB Learner Profile (e.g., being caring, open-minded, and reflective).
2. Parental Engagement
- Schedule regular meetings with parents to discuss their child’s development and provide guidance on addressing behavioral or emotional concerns at home.
- Conduct workshops and seminars on topics such as: ○ Managing screen time. ○ Building resilience in children. ○ Addressing behavioral changes during early childhood development.
- Offer resources such as reading materials, therapist referrals, recommendations or strategies tailored to a family’s unique circumstances.
- Support parents during transitions, such as moving to a new school, family separation, or relocation, ensuring continuity in the child’s well-being.
3. Collaboration with Teachers and Staff
- Partner with teachers to identify and support students displaying learning or behavioral difficulties, ensuring early intervention.
- Design and deliver professional development sessions for teachers on topics like: ○ Creating trauma-informed classrooms. ○ Recognizing and addressing signs of stress or mental health concerns in students. ○ Strategies for fostering inclusive classroom environments.
- Provide actionable strategies for managing classroom conflicts, promoting positive peer relationships, and reducing disruptive behaviors.
- Assist in creating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or behavior support plans, ensuring they address emotional and social needs alongside academic goals.
4. Crisis Intervention and Advocacy
- Act swiftly and sensitively to assist students during crises, including family emergencies, mental health breakdowns, or incidents of abuse or neglect.
- Serve as a key contact for teachers and parents when addressing critical incidents, providing guidance on the next steps, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
5. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain detailed and confidential records of counselling sessions, intervention plans, and parent-teacher consultations.
- Prepare reports summarizing trends in student well-being and identifying recurring issues that require systemic solutions.
- Ensure that documentation adheres to ethical and legal standards, safeguarding student privacy at all times.
- Share periodic updates on student progress with stakeholders, including teachers and parents, to foster ongoing collaboration and transparency.
Qualifications and Experience
- Must be fluent in English (speaking and writing) and Arabic.
- Must hold have passed or be in the process of obtaining his/her Social Work License.
- Must be at ease to work and meet with male and female colleagues and parents
- Hold Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Demonstrate knowledge of intervention and experience with young children and older students in school settings from KG to Grade 6.
- Be familiar with the IB philosophy of education (the PYP framework), particularly its emphasis on holistic student development.
Skills and Competencies
- Empathy and Communication: Ability to build trust and connect with young children, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
- Problem-solving and Critical Thinking: Adept at assessing situations and implementing practical solutions.
- Organization and Multi-Tasking: Capable of managing multiple responsibilities, from one-on-one counselling to large-scale school programs.
- Cultural Competence: Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of a diverse student population.
- Crisis Management: Calm and professional demeanour under pressure, with the ability to de-escalate tense situations effectively.
This role is integral to creating a compassionate and inclusive school environment where all students feel supported in their growth and development. The ideal candidate will inspire and empower students to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically.
Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, proof of certification and a letter of interest for the position by email to global@menadev.edu.sa
References will be asked through the selection process. Interviews of selected candidates will be held in person English.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by those assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Administration reserves the right to amend or change responsibilities as necessary to meet business and organizational needs.