School Social Worker

Licensed School Social Worker

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do. As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive. We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome at Hopkins. You belong at Hopkins.

Under the direction of the Building Principal, the Licensed School Social Worker provides direct and indirect social work services to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, and/or substance use concerns that interfere with school performance. This role facilitates collaboration among school, home, and community providers to support student well-being and success. This position includes a focused role in supporting students impacted by substance use. The ideal candidate has experience in chemical health education, prevention, and intervention and can serve as a resource to students, staff, and families. Chemical health licensure or certification is preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Provides direct social/emotional support to general education students through individual and small group interventions.
• Identifies and supports students experiencing challenges related to mental health, attendance, behavior, and substance use.
• Serves as a building resource on substance use prevention and intervention; supports students impacted by alcohol/drug use and collaborates with families and community providers.
• Provides early intervention, assessment, and referral for students needing additional mental health or chemical health supports.
• Collaborates with administrators, counselors, teachers, and support staff to develop strategies that remove barriers to learning.
• Connects students and families with community resources, including mental health, chemical health, and basic needs supports.
• Participates in crisis response, risk assessment, and safety planning for students.
• Implements and supports attendance interventions and engagement strategies.
• Provides consultation to staff on student needs, behavioral strategies, and trauma-informed practices.
• Facilitates communication between school, home, and outside providers.
• Supports development of a positive school climate and promotes student well-being, belonging, and engagement.
• Participates in building teams such as Student Support Teams, Child Study, 504, and equity teams as assigned.
• Prepares required documentation, including referrals, reports, and mandated reporting as applicable.
• Promotes and supports the district's overall mission through collaborative and professional practice.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in social work required; MSW preferred. Experience working with adolescents in a school or community setting preferred. Experience in chemical health education, prevention, or intervention strongly preferred. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: License as a School Social Worker by the Minnesota Department of Education. Licensed by the MN Board of Social Work. Chemical health certification/licensure (e.g., LADC or equivalent) preferred. Continued employment is contingent upon maintaining required licensure. Driver's license.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge: Principles, practices, and ethical standards of social work. Adolescent development, mental health, and behavioral intervention strategies. Substance use prevention, intervention, and available treatment resources. Community resources available to support students and families. State and federal laws related to student services and mandated reporting. Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices. Computer applications and documentation systems. Correct business English, including grammar and punctuation.

Skills: Building relationships with students and families from diverse backgrounds. Assessing student needs and developing appropriate intervention plans. Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced high school environment. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Applying equity-focused and culturally responsive practices. Supporting students in crisis and navigating sensitive situations.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in a school environment, using standard equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

Working Environment:

Work is performed in a school setting. Travel required to locations throughout the District.

Compensation and Schedule:

1.0 FTE - 185 Days HEA Union Contract Range: BA, Step 0: $51,000.00 MA, Step 0: $60,228.00 Position specific Benefits information is available HERE Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE