Central Office _ Social Worker, Lead (Social Work Services) 2026-2027

DeKalb County School District; Stone Mountain (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

DeKalb County School District seeks a Lead Social Worker to oversee school social work services across the district, providing leadership, guidance, and adherence to policies and procedures. The role focuses on assessing, intervening, educating, and advocating for students and families within a collaborative district framework.

The Lead will supervise a team of social workers, coordinate learning opportunities on mental health, and ensure compliance with educational standards while supporting

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or closely related field from a Georgia PSC approved college or university.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional social work, counseling, or closely related experience.
• Valid Georgia PSC approved certificate in educational leadership at level L5, NL-5, PL-6, or above; if not held, eligible for the NPL certificate.

Responsibilities

• Manages a functional team within the department.
• Organizes programs and processes, establishes tasks for the team, and sets priorities.
• Works on issues requiring analysis of data and various relevant factors to resolve.
• Identifies and resolves operational issues outside established guidelines; recommends process improvements.
• Leads development and implementation of instructional programs; ensures compliance with educational standards and mentors staff.
• Manages case records accurately and carries out case management duties per policies.
• Coordinates professional learning opportunities for district staff, including in-service training on mental health, identification procedures, and referral processes for students.
• Serves as liaison between students, families, schools, community agencies, and Social Work to facilitate communication and address attendance issues.

Education

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or closely related field from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved college or university

Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved certificate in educational leadership at level L5, NL-5, PL-6, or above (NPL eligibility if not held)

Job description

he DeKalb County School District is seeking an experienced and professional Social Worker, Lead. Salary Grade/Schedule: Unified 129 Salary Schedules: Click Here The material contained herein is subject to change. All open positions offered by the DeKalb County School District are subject to specific job requirements. The DeKalb County School District is an equal opportunity employer, and all hiring decisions are subject to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Title: Social Worker, Lead

Oversees the activities of school social workers and provides departmental oversight and support to ensure the delivery of a full scope of services, including assessment, intervention, consultation, education, and advocacy. Provides leadership and guidance to a team, ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.

Essential Job Duties

• Manages a functional team within the department.
• Organizes programs and processes, establishes tasks for the team, and sets priorities.
• Works on issues requiring the analysis of data and a variety of relevant factors to resolve.
• Identifies and resolves operational issues that may fall outside of established guidelines as they arise; recommends process improvements where needed based on sound project workflow principles.
• Leads the development and implementation of instructional programs, ensures team member compliance with educational standards and provides mentorship to enhance teaching effectiveness.
• Manages case records accurately for individuals served and carries out case management duties in accordance with organizational policies and regulations.
• Coordinates professional learning opportunities for district staff, including in-service training on mental health issues, identification procedures, and referral processes for students.
• Serves as a liaison between students, families, schools, community agencies, and the Social Work department to facilitate communication and address attendance issues in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct.
• Plans and executes specialized projects or events, such as district-wide attendance initiatives aimed at promoting academic success and preventing truancy.
• Provides group or individual counseling in response to crises, advises school administrators on critical issues impacting student achievement, and serves as a mandated reporter for child abuse/neglect cases.
• Assists parents and professionals in identifying educational impediments while aligning strategies with resources to foster student success and administer necessary tests that may reveal the causes of difficulties.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge on school social work developments and shares insights with colleagues to promote continuous improvement within the department.
• Communicates organizational goals clearly to stakeholders while effectively conveying school needs and concerns through various channels such as conferences or home visits.
• Interacts with subordinates, supervisors, and functional peer groups to interpret and explain information as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or closely related field from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved accredited college or university required.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional social work, counseling, or closely related experience required.
• Valid Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved certificate in educational leadership at level L5, NL-5, PL-6, or above required. If a level L-5, NL-5, PL-6, or above certificate is not held, the individual must be eligible for the NPL certificate in educational leadership.