Virtual School Social Worker

Secondary School Social Worker

Berrien Springs Public Schools is a premier district that inspires students to become self-directed learners in environments that foster collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. We believe students are best supported when we remove barriers to learning and empower them to thrive in all areas of life. Our programs focus on real-world learning experiences, individualized pathways, and community partnerships that help every student reach their potential.

Together, we inspire each student to think, learn, achieve, and care in a global community. Berrien Springs Public Schools is highly diverse and culturally rich, offering personalized pathways through both traditional and innovative models of learning. One of those innovative learning models is West Michigan Virtual Academy.

West Michigan Virtual Academy (WMVA) is a hybrid alternative education program that blends virtual learning with in-person support, serving nearly 400 high school students in the Battle Creek region and a growing number of middle level students across Michigan. WMVA empowers students by providing flexible academic support, behavioral coaching, and postsecondary planning designed for student success. WMVA provides targeted interventions for at-risk students, including students with disabilities, through a combination of instructional services, accommodations, and behavioral supports that prioritize student growth and success.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled secondary School Social Worker to serve students across the WMVA middle and high school programs. In this position, you'll provide direct social-emotional and behavioral interventions, support compliance with student IEPs, and guide both preventative and crisis interventions.

This role is pivotal in supporting student mental health, academic access, and overall school climate. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will work collaboratively with special education case managers, general education teachers, parents, and community agencies to ensure student success.

Core Competencies for the Position

Direct Student Services

• Provide individual and group counseling for students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges
• Deliver services identified on IEPs and participate in the special education evaluation process, including administering rating scales and contributing to functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
• Design and implement behavioral interventions and social-emotional learning strategies Provide wellness and crisis response support in collaboration with building teams

Collaboration & Team Participation

• Participate in IEP, MTSS, Child Study, Wellness, and 504 meetings
• Consult and collaborate with teachers, families, and administrators to support student well-being
• Support Tier I and Tier II behavioral and social-emotional systems using PBIS and MTSS frameworks
• Encourage family engagement through communication, consultation, and access to community resources

Compliance & Documentation

• Maintain accurate records and progress monitoring aligned with student goals and district policies
• Demonstrate confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and documentation
• Uphold all local, state, and federal regulations regarding student support services

Equity & Trauma-Informed Practice

• Demonstrate skill in working with students from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Provide trauma-informed support and advocate for the needs of at-risk and alternative education students
• Connect families to community resources and serve as liaison for wraparound support

Why You'll Love This Role

As a WMVA School Social Worker, you'll be a key advocate for some of the state's most vulnerable students. Every day, you'll have the opportunity to positively impact student lives by providing stability, support, and hope. You will work in a highly collaborative, innovative environment that empowers you to lead meaningful change across both virtual and in-person settings.

What You'll Need

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree
• Full or temporary approval as a School Social Worker in the state of Michigan
• Valid Social Work License through LARA
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with at-risk and alternative education student populations
• Experience with trauma-informed practices, PBIS, and behavior interventions strongly preferred
• Willingness to adapt to virtual communication platforms and remote service delivery

What You'll Get Out of This Role

• A meaningful role supporting student growth, equity, and wellness
• Full-time position (195-day contract) with a salary range of $43,000–$59,000, based on experience
• Eligible for health insurance benefits and participation in the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS)
• Supportive leadership and team culture that values innovation and inclusion
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and collaboration
• Work for the most growth-oriented school district in Michigan: Berrien Springs Public Schools – Ranked #1 in Michigan for a 212% increase in student enrollment

Location: 35 W Hamblin Ave., Battle Creek, MI

Days: 195 Days per school year

Pay: $43,000 - 59,000 based on experience. Additionally, the candidate will have the ability to earn 3% in merit pay

Deadline to Apply: August 3, 2026 or until filled