School Social Worker
Position Title: School Social Worker
Reports To: Director of Student Services, Principal, or Special Education Director
Location: School Building(s) Assigned
Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: School Year (per district calendar)
Position Summary
The School Social Worker promotes students' academic success, social-emotional well-being, and behavioral growth by providing counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, assessment, and coordination of services. The School Social Worker collaborates with families, school staff, and community agencies to remove barriers to learning and ensure students receive appropriate educational and mental health supports. Services are provided in accordance with federal and state laws, including IDEA, Section 504, and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual and group counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or family-related concerns.
- Conduct comprehensive social developmental histories and social work evaluations as part of multidisciplinary special education evaluations.
- Participate as a member of Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504, and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teams.
- Develop and implement behavioral intervention strategies and social-emotional supports.
- Assist in identifying students at risk for academic failure, chronic absenteeism, behavioral challenges, or mental health concerns.
- Conduct home visits, when appropriate, to strengthen school-home communication and address barriers to attendance and learning.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, psychologists, counselors, and other school personnel to develop intervention plans.
- Provide crisis intervention services for students and families, including risk assessments and referrals to appropriate community resources.
- Coordinate and facilitate referrals to outside agencies, mental health providers, and social service organizations.
- Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation of services provided.
- Assist with manifestation determination reviews and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as appropriate.
- Support positive school climate initiatives, restorative practices, and social-emotional learning programs.
- Participate in threat assessment, crisis response, and emergency planning teams.
- Provide consultation and professional development to staff regarding student mental health, trauma-informed practices, behavior management, and community resources.
- Maintain confidentiality of student records in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), and district policies.
- Attend required meetings, professional development activities, and district trainings.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Required Education and Certification
- Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
- Valid Michigan School Social Worker Approval (SSW-310) or other credential required by the Michigan Department of Education.
- Ability to meet all state and federal employment requirements, including criminal background checks.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in a K-12 educational setting.
- Experience supporting students receiving special education services.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, restorative practices, PBIS, and MTSS.
- Experience with crisis intervention and suicide risk assessment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
- Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, MARSE, and Michigan educational regulations.
- Strong counseling, assessment, and case management skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, and community partners.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
- Proficiency with educational technology and electronic student information systems.