Student Social Worker

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Title:
Student Social Worker - VBIEA

Location:
250 South Street, Lawrence, MI 49064

Reports To:
VB Tech Administration

Job Goal(s): The primary job goals of the School Social Worker are to assist students in fully developing their individual potential socially, emotionally, and intellectually within a Career Tech Education (CTE) setting. This person aims to provide consultation, collaboration, and professional guidance to students, their family members and school staff regarding students' social, emotional, and behavioral status impacting learning, development, mental health, and school success.

The Student Social Worker strives to encourage developmentally appropriate student self-determination and self-advocacy.

• Education/Certification : Masters degree in an accredited social work program required
• Michigan approval or eligible for approval as a Social Worker and registered with the Board of Social Work, Michigan Department of Community Health required.
• Current, unrestricted licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Michigan required.
• Training and experience with supporting trauma-informed care practices preferred
• Training and experience with supporting a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) initiative preferred
• Training and experience with Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention preferred.

• Work Experience : Previous experience working in mental health and/or school settings with adolescents preferred

• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work with students, instructors, support staff, and administrators
• Knowledge in the following areas:
  • Problem identification and assessment
  • Family dynamics
  • Individual and group counseling/therapy
  • Childhood effects of emotional, physical, sexual abuse,
  • Grief, trauma and divorce
  • LGBTQ+
  • Substance abuse and current trends
  • Unaccompanied youth
  • Community agencies and resources
  • Career & Technical Education (CTE)

• Provide counseling to students as needed to assist them in resolving immediate or ongoing conflicts/issues that interfere with school performance.
• Provide support to parents/guardians/families, along with referral information to area agencies regarding student needs.
• Provide consultation and support to school personnel to assist them in best meeting the educational and emotional needs of the students.
• Actively lead and facilitate team building activities between staff and students focused on building cohesive, supportive classroom cultures.
• Work with VB Tech staff to develop training for students in various areas (team building, communication, empathy, conflict resolution, etc.) which work towards cohesion within the class.
• Develop and implement a confidential emotional wellness screening to assess depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation of students, per parent/guardian request.
• Act as the school Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) specialist trained to debrief in crisis situations or willingness to be trained and be a part of the VBISD-CISM Team.
• Serve as a liaison with other counseling efforts with local schools and within VBTech/VBISD.
• Compile year-end data related to student contact, problem areas, and services provided.
• Adhere to VBISD policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned responsibilities within the agreed-upon or established timeline.
• Perform additional tasks, responsibilities, and duties as assigned by the VBTech Administration.
• Debriefing for our emergency classes
• Valid driver's license required.

Regular

As per master agreement and provisions established by the Van Buren Board of Education.

• At least 3 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• Master degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

• Van Buren HR
• 490 South Paw Paw St.
• Lawrence, Michigan 49064
• Phone:
• Email: kduffy