School Social Worker

Job Overview

The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.

School Social Workers assist with mental health, foster positive behavioral support, and consult with teachers, parents, and administrators. They also provide individual and group counseling/therapy. School social workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools which is to provide a safe and welcoming setting for teaching and learning.

• Master’s degree with concentration in social work
• Michigan Social Worker license (even if still considered "Limited")
• Commitment to Lansing School District’s mission and vision
• School Social Worker certification (SSW 310 form) or enrolled in a Michigan Program
• Ability to obtain your School Social Worker Certification (or permitted if you have not yet completed the SSW
  310 coursework) through Michigan Department of Education
• 5+ years of experience working with children, their families, and their school support systems
• Experience constructing Positive Behavior Support Systems
• Experience working with a diverse population of students in an urban school setting
• Maintain a caseload of at‑risk learners to provide support and behavioral interventions leading to academic success
• Conduct group sessions with students in both a special ed and general ed setting who have common problems which impede their ability to be successful, (i.e. anger management, coping skills, etc.)
• Share knowledge of community resources with individual students and families to increase their success at school and beyond
• Develop, monitor progress towards, and communicate student goals and growth plans
• Other tasks as needed in order to best serve Lansing students

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Must be able to move throughout the building and campus, including classrooms, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
• Frequent verbal communication is required to instruct students, lead meetings, and collaborate with staff and families.
• May be required to stand or walk for extended periods, including during supervisory duties.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• Regular use of computers and instructional technology for planning, instruction, and communication.
• Must be able to lift or carry instructional materials and supplies weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.

This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed.