Social Worker

Social Worker

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) serves more than 1,600 students from PreK-12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school system located in Kansas City, Missouri. Over 97% of our students identify as Latinx, and many are bilingual or English learners. Our network includes Guadalupe Centers Elementary School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers High School.


GCCS grew out of Guadalupe Centers' educational programs - part of the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the United States since 1919. Our deep community roots shape our mission: to prepare all students academically, socially, and emotionally for college, career, and life success.

Why Work at GCCS

Students & Families:
Our teachers form strong relationships with students and families through a community-driven approach. The connection between our schools and Guadalupe Centers' historic mission fosters trust and collaboration that support student success.

Staff Autonomy:
GCCS teachers are empowered to innovate. We value professional judgment and encourage creative, research-based classroom practices that cater to the diverse needs of learners.

Coaching & Development:
Each staff member collaborates with their instructional coach and building leadership to set annual professional growth goals aligned to district priorities. Our development model focuses on reflection, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Competitive Benefits:

• Competitive salary aligned to experience and certification level
• Relocation stipend (for qualifying hires)
• Bilingual stipend (Spanish-speaking staff)
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education (up to lifetime cap per GCCS policy)
• Mental health and well-being support through expanded employee assistance and wellness programs
• 403(b) retirement match up to 5% (for eligible staff)
• Perfect attendance incentive program (up to $1,600 annually)
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage

Reports To: Director of Student Services & School Principal

Summary


The School Social Worker supports students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive school-based social work services in alignment with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines, state and federal laws, and ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This position facilitates access to school and community resources, provides direct and indirect services to students and families, and collaborates with school staff and external agencies to remove barriers to student success.

Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support & Intervention

• Assess student and family needs (e.g., social-emotional, behavioral, financial, medical, attendance, family stability) to develop and implement individualized intervention and support plans.
• Provide individual and group counseling services addressing concerns such as social skills development, behavior regulation, grief and loss, trauma, attendance, teen pregnancy, substance use, violence prevention, and crisis response.
• Utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, and restorative approaches to support student growth.
• Maintain consistent interaction with students to promote social-emotional learning and positive coping strategies.

Compliance, Documentation & Ethical Practice

• Ensure compliance with DESE regulations, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, mandatory reporting laws, and other applicable state and federal requirements.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case records and documentation in accordance with school policy and professional standards.
• Participate in IEP, 504, MTSS, and student support team meetings, providing social-emotional and family systems input.

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community agencies (e.g., mental health providers, Division of Family Services, Juvenile Court, healthcare providers, probation officers).
• Coordinate referrals and follow-up services to ensure continuity of care and access to community resources.
• Plan and facilitate workshops and informational sessions for parents and students (e.g., parenting skills, community resources, attendance support, social skills development).
• Build trusting relationships with families to strengthen home-school partnerships and support student success.

Collaboration & Schoolwide Support

• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff to address student needs and improve school climate.
• Mediate conflicts between students, parents, and school staff to resolve issues that may impede academic or social progress.
• Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from students, families, and staff regarding student support services and intervention strategies.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness in all interactions.
• Work independently and collaboratively under limited supervision using standardized practices and professional judgment.
• Schedule and coordinate meetings, services, and interventions effectively.
• Analyze data, maintain records, and utilize school-based systems and technology to support service delivery.
• Participate in professional development and continuous improvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services or the School Principal.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Exceptional observational, analytical, and listening skills.
• Ability to relate to, empathize with, and support students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in high-stress situations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop action plans independently.
• Commitment to equity and serving historically underserved student populations.

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work or a closely related field (required).
• Missouri Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred, in accordance with Missouri licensing requirements.
• National Association of School Social Workers (NASW) School Social Work Certification preferred.
• Experience providing school-based or youth-focused social work services, preferably in an urban or culturally diverse setting.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred (English required; Spanish strongly preferred).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the school day.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds as needed.
• Ability to access and navigate all areas of the school and participate in school-related activities.

Application Process:


Please complete an application, which may be found at If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of your transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools complies with all applicable laws, statutes, and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.