SY 26/27 School Social Worker

SY 26/27 School Social Worker

Full-time

Start Date: Next year opening

Department: School-based Support

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview:

Every member of the Team & Family at KIPP KC plays a critical role in ensuring our students are on the path toward college, career, and beyond.

As a School Social Worker, you will provide comprehensive social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health support to students and families. You will work collaboratively with school staff to remove barriers to learning, promote student well-being, and ensure students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.

This role is critical in supporting the whole child by addressing social, emotional, and environmental factors that impact student success, while also strengthening partnerships between school, home, and community.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Counseling:

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students addressing social-emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.
• Conduct assessments to identify student needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.
• Support students in developing coping skills, conflict resolution strategies, and emotional regulation.
• Provide crisis intervention and support during emergencies or high-need situations.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
• Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community agencies.
• Connect families with external resources (e.g., housing, food, healthcare, mental health services).
• Facilitate parent meetings and provide guidance on supporting student well-being at home.

Collaboration & School-Based Support:

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and student support teams to address student needs.
• Participate in MTSS/RTI processes, student support meetings, and intervention planning.
• Support the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Provide consultation to staff on trauma-informed practices and student support strategies.

Attendance & Student Advocacy:

• Monitor student attendance and address chronic absenteeism through outreach and intervention.
• Conduct home visits as needed to support student engagement and attendance.
• Advocate for students to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and services.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of services, interventions, and student progress.
• Ensure compliance with school, district, and state policies related to student services.
• Support documentation for students receiving special education or 504 services as applicable.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and ethical guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and school events.
• Stay current on best practices in school social work and student mental health.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and supportive school culture.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required
• Valid Missouri license/certification as a School Social Worker (or ability to obtain)
• Experience working with children and families, preferably in a school setting
• Knowledge of child development, trauma-informed care, and mental health practices
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Commitment to educational equity and serving underserved communities
• Satisfactory outcome of a background check

Skills and Competencies:

• Commitment to KIPP KC's mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Additional Information

Physical Requirements:

• 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region.

Work Environment:

• Reports to work Monday-Friday.
• Typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location.

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Selection Process:

Our application process is grounded in equity and fairness, ensuring a just and unbiased selection process. Below is our standard selection process for regional roles:

Application Submission + Resume Review

Phone or Video Interview

If Applicable (Sample work or Performance Task)

Committee Interview(s)

1:1 Chat w/Hiring Manager

Reference Check

Offer Terms