Social Worker | Park Spanish Immersion Elementary |

Social Worker

The School Social Worker provides critical support to students, families, and staff by addressing social, emotional, and behavioral barriers to learning. They assess student needs, develop intervention plans, and collaborate with educators, administrators, and community organizations to create a supportive school environment. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and connecting families with community resources. The School Social Worker also advocates for student well-being, supports attendance and behavioral interventions, and promotes a culturally responsive and equitable school climate.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct assessments to identify social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Provide individual and group counseling to students facing social, emotional, or family challenges.
• Develop and implement intervention strategies to support student success.
• Respond to crises, including trauma, grief, and mental health concerns.
• Collaborate with school staff to develop crisis response plans.
• Provide de-escalation support and guidance to students and staff.
• Work with teachers, administrators, and staff to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
• Serve as a liaison between schools, families, and community agencies.
• Support teachers and staff in implementing culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.
• Advocate for students' rights and equitable access to resources.
• Provide families with referrals to mental health, housing, and social services.
• Educate parents and caregivers on strategies to support student well-being.
• Monitor and address attendance concerns through intervention and family outreach.
• Assist in the development and implementation of behavioral plans.
• Support students in building social-emotional skills to improve school engagement.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with school, district, and legal requirements.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) and 504 Plan meetings as needed.
• Ensure adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Provide training for staff on social-emotional learning, mental health awareness, and crisis response.
• Stay informed on best practices, policies, and laws related to school social work.
• Support with MNMTSS process.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and effectiveness.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned by school leadership to support student and school needs.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include:

• Comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent development, including social, emotional, and psychological factors that affect students.
• Knowledge of mental health disorders, crisis intervention, and counseling techniques.
• Familiarity with school systems, educational frameworks, and special education laws (e.g., IDEA, 504 Plans).
• Awareness of community resources and referral systems for students and families in need.
• Knowledge of cultural competency, trauma-informed practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Understanding of relevant state and federal laws and regulations related to student privacy and welfare (e.g., FERPA, HIPAA).
• Strong counseling skills to support students individually and in groups.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, for working with students, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Ability to conduct assessments to evaluate student needs and progress.
• Crisis management and de-escalation skills to respond to student behavioral or emotional crises.
• Organizational skills for case management, record-keeping, and coordinating with various school departments and community organizations.
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills to mediate and resolve disputes effectively.
• Ability to facilitate group sessions and provide psychoeducation to students and staff.
• Ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with students, families, and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to advocate for students' needs and rights within the school and community.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and work ethically within professional boundaries.
• Capacity to work collaboratively with school teams and outside agencies to ensure holistic student support.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to the changing needs of students, families, and the school environment.
• Ability to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations and manage multiple priorities.

Physical demands include:

• Lifting/Carrying: Occasionally may need to lift or carry up to 15 pounds (e.g., program materials, student resources).
• Standing/Walking: Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during meetings, school events, or when moving between classrooms and offices.
• Sitting: Frequent sitting required when meeting with students, families, or attending meetings.
• Reaching/Handling: Must be able to reach and handle various documents and materials for assessments, counseling, or reports.
• Bending/Climbing: Occasional bending required to file paperwork or access supplies.
• Vision: Must have sufficient vision to read student files, assessments, and educational materials, as well as to monitor student behavior in various settings.
• Hearing: Must be able to hear clearly to communicate effectively with students, families, and staff, especially in group or classroom settings.
• Mental Demands: Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and manage stressful situations while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.

Work environment includes:

• Location: The work environment is primarily located in a school setting, including classrooms, offices, and other areas of the school campus.
• Interaction with Others: Frequent interactions with students, parents, school staff, and external agencies. Work involves both one-on-one counseling and group activities, as well as participation in meetings with school leadership and other professionals.
• Noise Level: Moderate to high noise levels, especially during school hours or in common areas such as hallways, cafeterias, or playgrounds.
• Work Schedule: The position typically follows a standard school calendar with occasional evening or weekend hours required for meetings, events, or family outreach.
• Physical Environment: The role may require moving between various areas of the school building. Workspaces may include both private offices for counseling sessions and shared spaces for meetings or group sessions.
• Emotional Demands: The work environment can be emotionally demanding, as social workers frequently deal with students and families in crisis, requiring empathy, patience, and resilience.
• Safety: School social workers work in a generally safe environment, although there may be occasional exposure to challenging or volatile student behaviors requiring intervention.

Education and/or experience required:

• A Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program is required.
• At least 1-3 years of experience working as a social worker, with a preference for experience in a school or educational setting.
• Experience in crisis intervention, mental health counseling, and working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and those experiencing trauma, is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with teachers, administrators, and families to support student well-being and success.
• Experience with case management, community outreach, and connecting families to external resources is an asset.
• Candidates bilingual in English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Certificates, licenses, registrations preferred:

• Licensure or certification as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent in the state of employment is preferred.
• Additional certifications in school social work or related fields may be required.

Benefit information: St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.