School Social Worker
Licensed school social worker providing social-emotional support, family engagement, and community resource coordination
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About Our Organization
We are committed to providing exceptional educational services and creating a positive learning environment for our students, staff, and community. Our organization values integrity, collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.
Position Overview
The School Social Worker provides comprehensive social work services to support student social-emotional well-being, family engagement, and access to community resources. This licensed position requires expertise in case management, social-emotional support, and collaborative problem-solving with students, families, teachers, and community partners. The social worker plays a critical role in identifying barriers to student success, connecting families with resources, and ensuring all students have the support they need to thrive.
Responsibilities
Case Management
- Manage caseloads of students requiring ongoing social work support and intervention
- Develop and implement individual student support plans and intervention strategies
- Coordinate with teachers, administrators, and families to address student needs
- Document student progress, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with district policies
- Monitor student attendance, behavior, and social-emotional concerns
- Facilitate connections between families and community resources and services
Evaluation & Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive social histories and risk assessments
- Evaluate student social-emotional needs and family circumstances
- Assess barriers to student attendance, engagement, and academic success
- Complete home visits and family assessments as needed
- Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of interventions and support strategies
- Prepare assessment reports and recommendations for student support teams
Direct Student Services
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions addressing social-emotional concerns
- Support students in developing coping skills, problem-solving strategies, and social skills
- Facilitate small group interventions for students with similar needs
- Provide crisis intervention and immediate support for students and families in distress
- Support students experiencing homelessness, foster care, or other challenging circumstances
- Advocate for student needs and rights
Family Engagement & Community Coordination
- Engage families in their children's education and support student success
- Conduct home visits and family meetings to understand student needs and circumstances
- Connect families with community resources including housing, healthcare, mental health services, and basic needs
- Coordinate with community agencies, service providers, and outside professionals
- Facilitate communication between school, families, and community partners
- Organize and participate in family engagement events and activities
Collaboration & Consultation
- Collaborate with teachers to support student success in the classroom
- Consult with administrators regarding student needs and support strategies
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings including IEP teams, 504 teams, and student support teams
- Serve as liaison between school, families, and community agencies
- Participate in professional development and stay current with best practices in school social work
- Maintain professional licensure and continuing education requirements
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
- Valid state school social worker license/certification (as required by state)
- Completion of state-approved school social work program or equivalent
- Ability to pass background check and fingerprint clearance
- Knowledge of state and federal laws governing student services, child welfare, and special education
- Understanding of child development, family systems, and social work practice
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
- Experience or training in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care
Preferred Qualifications
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential
- Previous experience as a school social worker in K-12 settings
- Experience working with diverse student and family populations
- Training in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and crisis intervention
- Bilingual skills (as applicable to district needs)
- Experience with homeless education, foster care, and at-risk student populations
- Knowledge of community resources and social service systems
- Experience with data collection and program evaluation
- Training in family engagement strategies and home-school partnerships
Skills & Competencies
- Expertise in individual and group counseling techniques
- Strong case management and organizational skills
- Ability to conduct comprehensive social assessments and evaluations
- Knowledge of child development, family systems, and social-emotional learning
- Crisis intervention and trauma-informed care skills
- Understanding of special education laws and 504 accommodation processes
- Strong family engagement and home-school partnership skills
- Knowledge of community resources and social service systems
- Collaboration and consultation skills
- Cultural competency and ability to work with diverse populations
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Technology skills for documentation, assessment, and communication
Work Environment
For Certified Professionals
This position works primarily in school settings, including private office spaces, classrooms, and various school locations. The role involves frequent collaboration with teachers, administrators, support staff, and families. The position may require attendance at evening events, parent meetings, and school activities. The professional works as part of a student services team and reports to building and district administrators. The position follows the school calendar schedule and may involve travel between school sites as needed.
For Social Workers
The social worker may conduct home visits and work in community settings in addition to school-based work. The position requires flexibility to attend meetings and events outside regular school hours, including evenings and weekends.
Physical Requirements
This role requires the ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard and mouse, and communicate effectively via phone and video conferencing. The position involves occasional standing, walking, and lifting of light objects (up to 10 pounds). Employees must have sufficient vision and hearing to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Benefits & Perks
Standard Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and professional development opportunities. Additional benefits may vary based on employment status and location.
In Addition to Our Standard Benefits Package
Certified staff receive:
- Competitive salary aligned with education and experience
- Professional development opportunities and continuing education support
- School calendar schedule with holidays and summers off
- State retirement system participation
- Professional liability coverage
- Opportunities for advancement and leadership roles
- Access to professional learning communities and networking opportunities
Legal & Compliance
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
At-Will Employment
This position is at-will, meaning either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, except as may be limited by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
Background Check Policy
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history, employment verification, and reference checks, as permitted by applicable law.