Social Worker, Child Development​/Support

Social Worker Job Description

Visit  to learn more about Steel City Academy and apply for the role. Please contact Executive Director, Katie Kirley, directly with any questions about the role ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).).

Steel City Academy is an A-rated, community-embedded K–12 charter school that was designed in partnership with the community to offer a new narrative of what’s possible for the students and families of Gary. At Steel City, we prioritize safety, human connection, and learning with individualized attention and support in an environment where parents trust us with their children. Students access rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction with teachers who believe in them and are equipped with the support, coaching, and resources to be their best selves.

We expose students to the world through transformative experiences while maintaining our pride, commitment, and impact in Gary. We leverage our team and community partners to ensure every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. A model for high-quality public education, Steel City redefines expectations, delivers results, and provides children and families in Gary with the school they deserve.

The Social Worker reports directly to the Assistant Principal and collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team teachers, families, and community partners.

The Social Worker is responsible for providing wraparound services to support student success, strengthening family engagement, and building systems of support through community partnerships. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that all students—particularly those facing barriers such as housing insecurity, trauma, or mental health needs—are able to fully participate and thrive in our school community.

The Social Worker also serves as the McKinney-Vento liaison, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and connecting families experiencing homelessness with resources that remove barriers to education.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students to support social-emotional development, attendance, and overall well-being.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to design and implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavioral interventions.
• Serve as the McKinney-Vento liaison, ensuring timely identification of eligible students and providing appropriate services and referrals.
• Partner with families to strengthen their engagement in the school community and address barriers to student attendance, academic success, and participation.
• Drive the implementation of attendance initiatives to achieve 95%+ daily student attendance, with targeted strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism.

• Develop, manage, and sustain partnerships with community-based organizations to provide wraparound services for students and families (e.g., mental health, food, housing, clothing, and enrichment resources).
• Coordinate onsite and offsite community resources, ensuring that families receive seamless access to needed supports.
• Represent Steel City Academy at community events, coalitions, and resource networks to expand opportunities for students and families.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Support the design and execution of school-wide rituals, routines, and celebrations that foster joy, belonging, and student success.
• Lead a student “Squad” advisory group to foster academic growth and support social-emotional well-being.
• Contribute to school-wide duties that promote student supervision, reinforce positive culture, and strengthen the sense of community.

• Purpose:
  
  Driven to play a unique role in improving the city we love.
• Team:
  Embraces one another’s distinct strengths, growing and winning together.
• Grit:
  Finds resilience and solutions in the face of adversity and obstacles.
• Accountability:
  Owns actions and supports others in meeting their full…