Social Worker, School Social Worker

Social Worker

Grand Rapids Public Schools Straight Elementary Building - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Job : 5671895

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Apr 27, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER (SPECIAL EDUCATION)

DEPARTMENT: Special Education Services

BARGAINING UNIT: Grand Rapids Education Association (GREA)

WAGE: Compensation is determined by a structured salary schedule. The starting salary is based on the candidate’s degree level and verified years of licensed or certificated experience.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Special Education Supervisor

GRPS MISSION
Our mission is to ensure that all scholars are educated, self-directed and productive members of society.

JOB SUMMARY

The school social worker provides quality services and expertise on issues ranging from program design, assessment, and intervention with scholars. The social worker provides support in academic, emotional, behavioral, and social success for scholars. Coordinates and networks with community agencies. Comply with Michigan Special Education law/requirements that impact School Social Workers. Implementation of RTI/PBIS.

Required

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in social work.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW) issued through Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
• School Social Worker Certificate issued by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE).
• If not currently certified, candidate must be enrolled in an MDE-approved School Social Worker (SSW) preparation program leading to an MDE‑issued School Social Worker certificate by the first day of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated use of technology for work related and scholar intervention sessions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Grand Rapids curriculum.
• Demonstrated knowledge of PBIS.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, and the public.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exits.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons based on assessment and school objectives and the needs and abilities of scholars to whom assigned.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with scholars, peers, parents, and community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in written and oral communication.
• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.

Regular on‑time and in‑person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Conduct diagnostic evaluations, writes reports, and participates fully in IEPs with parents and school teams.
• Report on scholar progress towards goals and objectives during each reporting period.
• Provide/uses data collection system for functional assessment/positive behavior support.
• Collect, analyze and graph data.
• Participate/provide professional development in the implementation of PBIS school‑wide process.
• Comply with timelines, laws, and regulations as it relates to district, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Work cooperatively with staff in the development of goals and objectives.
• Comply with Special Education referral and IEP timelines.
• Provide social work services as indicated on each scholar’s IEP.
• Report progress to parents as scheduled in individual scholar IEPs.
• Maintain accurate records/timelines of progress and…