School Social Worker - Middle School

Hopkins Public Schools

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 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.

Licensed School Social Worker

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Student Services and Building Principal, the Licensed School Social Worker provides direct and indirect social work services to students experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems that interfere with their performance in school, and facilitates communication among school, home, and community providers.

Essential Functions:

• Performs special education due process-related duties and responsibilities; serves as administrative designee on Individual Education Plan (IEP) team; facilitates meetings, takes notes, and completes due process paperwork.
• Provides direct social/emotional skill service to special education and regular education students.
• Parental Communication: Provides direct social/emotional evidence-based and culturally responsive interventions for students; consults with staff regarding support and interventions for students, interpreting behaviors for staff.
• Collaborates with community mental health providers and case managers.
• Connects students and families with basic needs resources; communicates, problem solves, and shares information with community partners.
• Provides individual and group support for students and families around issues of grief and loss, trauma, suicide ideation, etc.; provides classroom lessons on grief and loss; psychoeducation; collaborates with crisis assessors talks with families about crisis assessment resources, arranges for crisis assessment.
• Prepares Child Protective Services referrals reporting abuse and neglect concerns.
• Implements attendance interventions and support.
• Acts as the coordinator for 504 law accommodations plans.
• Intervenes in student alcohol/drug issues.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in education, or a closely related field.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation. Driver's license. Licensed as a School Social Worker by MDE.

Required Knowledge and Skills Required Knowledge: District policies and procedures. Principles, practices, and ethical standards of social work. Laws, codes and regulations related to assignments. Disabilities and accommodations. Community resources and programs available to clients with identified needs. Computer applications related to the work. Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Required Skills: Creating and administering individualized treatment plans. Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations. Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands. Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected. Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District's established Core Values. Advancing the District's mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

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.