Social Worker

SUMMARY:
The School Social Worker supports student success by addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs that impact learning. Working collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community agencies, the social worker provides counseling, consultation, crisis intervention, and resource coordination to promote student well-being and positive educational outcomes. This position advocates for students, helps remove barriers to learning, and contributes to a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment.

POSITION: Social Worker
LOCATION: Multiple Locations (Secondary)
STARTING DATE: August 2026

PREFERRED CANDIDATE PROFILE: We will focus upon candidates who are:
● Meets Michigan requirements for License as a Social Worker and eligible for School Social Work
certification under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Conduct comprehensive social, emotional, behavioral, and educational evaluations for students referred under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, utilizing assessments, interviews,
observations, and review of relevant data.
● Complete Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and collaborate with families, school personnel, and community agencies to develop, implement, and monitor behavior intervention plans.
● Provide direct and indirect social work services to students and families, including individual and group counseling, consultation, case management, and coordination of support services.
● Connect students and families with appropriate community resources and agencies and monitor the effectiveness of referrals and interventions.
● Prepare and maintain timely, accurate, and comprehensive reports, records, and documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
● Participate as an active member of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teams, Child Study Teams, evaluation teams, and other problem-solving committees to support student success.
● Serve as a member of crisis response teams, conduct risk and safety assessments as needed, and assist in developing intervention and safety plans.
● Foster positive partnerships between home, school, and community agencies to support student achievement and well-being.
● Record and submit all required documentation related to School-Based Medicaid Reimbursement and other applicable programs.
● Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, manifestation determination reviews, Section 504 meetings, and other special education processes as assigned.
● Maintain required licensure, certifications, and professional development requirements, providing documentation as required by the district.
● The district provides qualified clinical supervision for school social workers seeking Michigan LMSW licensure, offering valuable support for professional growth and advancement.
● Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by administration.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the Board of Education may be considered. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
● Meets Michigan requirements for License as a Social Worker and eligible for School Social Work certification under Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education.
● Masters Degree in Social Work.
● Ability to assess student’s needs by the appropriate use of agency and school records through interviews of school personnel, family members and community sources and by observation of student.
● Ability to clearly interpret the results of diagnostic procedures to parents, schools and relevant others to establish follow-up procedures for monitoring student’s progress.
● Assist in developing and establishing programs for students based upon results of diagnostic procedures.
● Understand and apply the concepts of child learning and development in any diagnostic, treatment, or interpretive situation.
● Possess working knowledge of the special developmental and learning needs of students with special needs.
● Communicate diagnostic data and intervention strategies in writing and orally to relevant individuals.
● Possess applicable working knowledge of casework and/or group work treatment procedures with children.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:
● Ability to explain and evaluate appropriate teaching techniques.
● Ability to read, analyze and interpret information including periodicals and professional journals.
● Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of educators, students, and the general public.
● Ability to write/review/interpret lesson plans, IEPs, and other related correspondence.
● Ability to direct the activities of others to execute student goals.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
● Ability to integrate technology into the everyday workflow as necessary.
● Ability to utilize District technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the district.
● Ability to use computer technology for research, data management, communications, and instruction.
● Ability to use a personal computer (PC or MAC) in a networked environment to utilize the Internet and other electronic communication mechanisms.
● Knowledge of productivity applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software) is required.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
● Ability to apply the concepts of basic math consistent with the duties of this position.

REASONING ABILITY:
● Highly proficient in subject areas of reasoning, problem solving, organizational dynamics, and emotional intelligence.
● Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations.
● Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
● Ability to build rapport with others and to serve a diverse community.
● Ability to take initiative, work well with others as a collaborative team member, and exhibit good communication skills.
● Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other departments, agencies, and individuals.
● Ability to work creatively and skillfully with students.
● Ability to demonstrate initiative and understanding in working with students, staff and parents/guardians.
● Ability to consult effectively with teachers, parents, administrators and other professionals.
● Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding for families of various cultural backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Exemplary, regular, and predictable attendance is an essential function of this position. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to occasionally work nights and weekends to complete the required elements of this job. The employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to assist with lifting, moving and potentially using CPI strategies. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds such as books and teaching materials. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADAPTABILITY:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is quiet to loud depending upon the activity in the particular part of the day. The employee is required to interact with the students and other staff. The employee is directly responsible for the safety and wellbeing of students. The employee is exposed to infections at a greater risk than the average person. Occasionally the employee may be required to be outdoors for a short period of time, and therefore subject to varying weather conditions, for purposes of accomplishing the essential functions of this job.
SALARY/HOURS: Salary, Per MEA contract
APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 19th, 2026

QUESTIONS: Dr. Heidi Phelps, Executive Director of Student Services
[email protected]
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis in admission, access to District programs and activities, or employment.