Social Worker, School Social Worker

Academy of Arts and Knowledge

Job Description

Job Title: School Social Worker

Reports To: Executive Director / Principal

Department: Student Services

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full-Time, School Year

Position Summary

The School Social Worker supports the academic, social-emotional, and behavioral success of students at the Academy of Arts and Knowledge by providing direct services, crisis intervention, and family engagement, and by helping to build systems that ensure every student's needs are identified early and addressed equitably. The Social Worker works closely with teachers, the Special Education Team, and school leadership to remove barriers to learning and connect students and families with school and community resources.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges
• Conduct social-emotional and behavioral assessments to support identification, IEP, and 504 processes
• Serve as a key member of the student support/problem-solving (RTI/MTSS) team, helping identify students in need of intervention and monitoring progress
• Respond to crisis situations, including safety assessments, de-escalation, and coordination with families and outside agencies
• Develop, deliver, and monitor social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons and programming in partnership with classroom teachers.
• Connect students and families with community resources (housing, food security, mental health services, medical care, etc.)
• Support attendance and chronic absenteeism efforts by identifying root causes and coordinating family outreach
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in compliance with FERPA, IDEA, and Colorado Department of Education requirements
• Participate in IEP meetings, manifestation determination reviews, and other special education processes as needed
• Build positive, trusting relationships with students, families, and staff reflective of the school's arts-integrated, whole-child mission
• Provide training and consultation to teachers and staff on trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and student mental health

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution
• Colorado Department of Education (CDE) School Social Worker license, or eligibility to obtain licensure
• Experience working with elementary-age students strongly preferred
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Colorado special education regulations
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning frameworks
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to move throughout the school building, including responding quickly to student crises
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods
• Regular attendance and punctuality required during the school year

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is $60,075. Benefits include, health/dental/vision insurance, retirement, paid time off

The Academy of Arts and Knowledge is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.