Social Worker, School Social Worker

School Social Worker (Special Education)

Posting is attached. Please note that this is a full time position, with time shared equally between lower elementary (grades K-2) and upper elementary (grades 3-5).

At FPS, we are a school family of continual learners. We support each and every student to develop their purpose, plan, and passion. We encourage and honor dialogue about the histories, cultures, and goals of our communities. We actively and intentionally facilitate equitable access and representation, meaningful participation, and high expectations for ALL.

Details

Position:
School Social Worker (Special Education)

Location:

Ferndale Lower Elementary (50%), Ferndale Upper Elementary (50%)

Reports to:

Special Education Director and Building Principals

Pay Rate:
Pursuant to the Ferndale Education Association Master Agreement

Start Date:

Immediately (2026/2027 School Year)

Group: FEA

Job Description

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with advanced coursework and a degree in social work who provide services that support students' social and emotional development within the school setting. They serve as a critical link between home and school by delivering direct and consultative services designed to promote students' academic achievement and overall social success.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree from a graduate school of social work
• State of Michigan licensure-Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW)-Clinical
• Temporary or Full School Social Work Approval from the Michigan Department of Education (or eligible for approval via a SSW-310 form from the university)
• Experience working with a diverse student population and students with varying disabilities including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Emotional Impairment, Other Health Impairment and Specific Learning Disability
• Background knowledge and prior experience implementing trauma-informed and evidence-based school social work practices with adolescents
• Experience serving as a member of Multidisciplinary Evaluation Teams (METs) and completing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Strong foundational knowledge/skills in the areas of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and the development and evaluation of Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) for individual students.
• Knowledge of our community values, priorities and resources
• Experience working with young children, ages 5-8 in the school setting.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as a member of the building MET and IEPT.
• Complete social/emotional-behavioral assessments and develop/review IEPs
• Facilitate the special education referral process for initial evaluations; coordinate evaluation activities with the team.
• Utilize a variety of research-based intervention strategies, including group and individual therapy sessions, continually assessing student response to intervention and making changes as needed to ensure that each student is demonstrating meaningful progress on IEP goals/objectives and in the general education curriculum.
• Facilitate/lead the team development and implementation/monitoring of FBAs and PBSPs.
• Provide training, modeling and support to classroom teachers on implementation of social/ emotional-behavioral interventions
• Complete timely, accurate, and confidential documentation that is compliant with district, state, and federal policies.
• Work collaboratively with school initiatives that support intervention strategies for student success.
• Provide parents with relevant community-based resources that offer coaching, support services, and referral options.
• Participate as a member of building MTSS/ Tier 3 Student Achievement Team (SAT) processes
• Support section 504 process, as needed.
• Serve as a member of the building/district crisis response team.
• Develop…