Social Worker, School Social Worker

SUMMARY

The School Social Worker provides comprehensive services, including evaluation, direct intervention, consultation, and progress monitoring, to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success. As a member of the multidisciplinary student support team, the School Social Worker collaborates with students, families, educators, and community agencies to identify and reduce barriers to learning while promoting positive educational outcomes.

Responsibilities include conducting social-developmental evaluations, providing individual and group social work services, consulting with school staff and families, supporting students receiving special education services, and connecting students and families with appropriate school and community resources. The School Social Worker helps students develop the skills needed to navigate social, emotional, and behavioral challenges, fosters meaningful family engagement, and helps create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments that meet the diverse needs of all students.

Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution required. Candidates must possess or be eligible to obtain a valid Michigan School Social Worker (SSW) Certificate through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) or hold a valid Michigan School Social Worker credential issued under the former SW-310 authorization.

Current Michigan Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) licensure is preferred. Candidates who hold a Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW) license and are actively working toward full LMSW licensure are encouraged to apply. Macro, Clinical, or both designations will be considered. Candidates must have completed at least 500 clock hours of supervised social work practicum and meet all Michigan Department of Education certification requirements.

Human Relations

Skills:

Build and maintain positive relationships; resolve conflict effectively; work successfully with students who have social, emotional, or academic needs; lead one‑on‑one and small‑group meetings; remain flexible and open to assigned duties; create systems to stay organized.

• Conduct comprehensive social developmental histories and social work evaluations as part of multidisciplinary evaluations for students referred for special education and related services.
• Participate as an active member of multidisciplinary evaluation teams, Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, Child Study Teams, and Multi‑Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) teams.
• Interpret assessment results and develop practical recommendations to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely evaluation reports, documentation, and records in compliance with district procedures and applicable state and federal laws.
• Provide evidence‑based individual and small‑group counseling, intervention, and skill‑building services aligned with students’ IEPs, Section 504 Plans, and MTSS supports.
• Conduct crisis assessment, intervention, safety planning, and follow‑up services in accordance with district protocols.
• Support students receiving special education services, including those eligible under all 13 disability classifications as appropriate.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, school staff, and families to identify barriers to learning and develop effective intervention strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), and other positive behavior support strategies.
• Recommend classroom and school‑based interventions that promote positive behavior, student engagement, and inclusive learning environments.
• Serve as a consultant and resource to staff, families, and community partners regarding child development, mental health, trauma‑informed practices, behavioral supports, and social‑emotional learning.
• Coordinate referrals and collaborate with community agencies, mental health providers, medical professionals, juvenile justice agencies, child welfare organizations, and other…