School Social Worker

School Social Worker

Reports To: Head of School and Head of Student Support Services
Work Year: 12-Month, Full-Time
Location: Atlas Elementary School

Position Summary

Atlas Elementary School is seeking a compassionate and skilled School Social Worker to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide comprehensive support to students, families, and staff by addressing social, emotional, and mental health needs that impact learning and well-being. This position serves as a critical link between home, school, and community resources, ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

Student and Family Support

• Provide ongoing resources, consultation, and advocacy for students and families.
• Assist families and teachers in completing behavioral and medical documentation.
• Attend doctor appointments with families as a school advocate when needed.
• Provide parent education related to mental health and the IEP processes.
  

Mental Health & Crisis Intervention

• Provide consultation and training to staff regarding early identification of students in distress, de-escalation techniques, and referral procedures.
• Conduct suicide risk assessments and safety planning for students in crisis.
• Train staff on mandated reporting.
• Collaborate with outside mental health providers and follow up with families to ensure student safety and continuity of care.
• Complete and document reports to the Children's Division as required.

McKinney-Vento and Foster Care Liaison

• Identify and support students and families experiencing homelessness in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act.
• Provide training to staff, coordinate transportation, and connect families to essential resources.
• Serve as Foster Care Liaison by coordinating services, attending BID and Family Support Team meetings, and ensuring stable educational experiences for foster youth.

Social Work Therapy & Tier 3 Interventions

• Deliver individual or small-group counseling for students receiving Tier 3 or IEP-based mental health services.
• Monitor and document progress toward behavioral and social-emotional goals including IEP related goals.

Attendance and Engagement

• Support attendance improvement efforts through phone calls, home visits, and truancy meetings for students identified as Tier 3.

Community Resources & Partnerships

• Connect families with community resources such as housing, clothing, food, and utility assistance.
• Coordinate holiday and seasonal support programs including Thanksgiving meals and winter toy drives and food drives.
• Maintain relationships with external agencies and mental health providers for student support and case coordination.

Supervision & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor social work practicum students, providing weekly supervision and task management (if applicable).
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and administrators to create safe, inclusive learning environments.

Qualifications

• Education: Masters degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• Licensure: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.
• Experience: Experience providing social work or counseling services to children and families in school or community settings preferred.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, child development, and crisis intervention.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Familiarity with community resource networks and social service systems.
  • Excellent documentation and organizational skills.