Social Worker - Early Learning

Elementary Social Worker

Start Date: August 31, 2026 New Teacher Orientation: August 24-26, 2026 Rate of Pay: $49,792 - $103,062 per year Terms of employment per the Prior Lake-Savage Education Association (PLSEA) collective bargaining agreement. Join Our Team and Thrive! We offer a comprehensive benefits package that stands out among school districts: Health Insurance: A rich health plan that provides extensive coverage for you and your family, ensuring peace of mind. Dental Insurance: Full coverage options for routine and preventive care, keeping your smile bright and healthy. Life Insurance: Protect yourself and your loved ones with a robust life insurance plan an Employee Assistance Program, free to employees and their family members optional medical and dependent care flexible spending account To learn more about our benefits and eligibility, visit our webpage for new employees.

Qualifications

MN Board of Social Work License. Current MN licensure in School Social Work. Master's degree in Social Work preferred. Effective communication skills with individuals and groups. Commitment to the education of all students. Knowledge of early childhood development (birth5), family systems, and early intervention services Experience with ECFE, Preschool, ECSE, Part C/Early Intervention, developmental screening, and early childhood transitions preferred. Experience with family engagement, community outreach, and culturally responsive practices preferred. Knowledge of community resources and family support systems. General knowledge of current Federal and State special education laws/mandates, including IDEA and section 504. Experience with home visiting, family support, parent education, or early childhood family engagement preferred.

Reports To

Assistant Director of Early Learning

Job Goals

The Early Learning School Social Worker supports children from birth through age five and their families by coordinating social-emotional, developmental, family support, outreach, home visiting, and community connection services. The position promotes equitable access to early learning programs and services, supports early identification and intervention efforts, strengthens family engagement, and collaborates across ECFE, Preschool, ECSE, Birth3, Screening, and community partners.

Performance Responsibilities

Social services and family supports for children birth through age five and their families Builds collaborative, strengths-based relationships with families to support engagement, participation, and access to early learning services. Conducts outreach activities to increase awareness of district early learning programs and services, including ECFE, Preschool, ECSE, Screening, and Birth3 programs. Supports recruitment, enrollment, retention, and participation efforts for early learning programs. Connects families through school, home, and community-based supports including health, mental health, housing, food, childcare, transportation, and family support services. Develops partnerships with community agencies and family-serving organizations to strengthen support networks for children and families. Participates in family events, outreach activities, transition events, and community engagement opportunities. Provides home visiting services to support family engagement, child development, social-emotional well-being, school readiness, transitions, and access to early learning and community resources. Conducts home visits to build relationships, identify family strengths and needs, reduce barriers to participation, and support successful engagement in early learning programs and services. Supports culturally responsive and inclusive family engagement practices. Supports early identification of developmental, social-emotional, behavioral, and family support needs through collaboration with Preschool, ECSE, Birth3, Screening, and community partners; assists with intervention planning, referrals, and transition processes. Serves as a team member for the school pre-referral/problem solving teams. Collects pertinent background/home information as appropriate. Facilitate and develop Section 504 plans, as directed by building administrator/District 504 coordinator. Develops and maintains effective partnerships with children, families, educators, healthcare providers, county agencies, early intervention providers, community organizations, and other helping professionals. Provides individual, small group, and family support services for children and families as appropriate. Makes community/agency program linkages to assist students and their families. Provides crisis intervention and support as appropriate. Supports developmental screening outreach, follow-up, referrals, and family communication related to screening processes and outcomes. Consults with education staff relative to appropriate interventions, techniques, and modifications for students in need. Supports family engagement, participation, and attendance through proactive outreach, problem-solving, and removal of barriers to access and participation. Coordinates and supports programs that promote early childhood social-emotional development, family well-being, resilience, and school readiness. Facilitates child and family groups such as social skills, friendship, emotional regulation, transitions, parenting support, and family engagement groups as appropriate to site/program needs. Assists with programs and appropriate activities that align with the district's core values. Provides additional duties related to social emotional educational programs as assigned by building administration. Maintains and prepares records and reports. Maintains a positive working relationship with administrators, teachers and district office administration. Performs other duties as may be reasonably assigned for effective school operation. Supports transitions between home, Birth3 services, preschool, ECSE, community programs, and kindergarten. Assists families in navigating early childhood systems and accessing appropriate services and supports.