K-6 School Social Worker

Deeprootscs; Fishtown (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Deep Roots Charter School seeks a dedicated School Social Worker to support students’ social-emotional health and foster family engagement. This vital role involves direct counseling, crisis intervention, and collaboration with the school community to create a nurturing educational environment. The ideal candidate will hold a Master's in Social Work and possess strong knowledge of trauma-informed practices.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work is required.
• LSW or LCSW certification is mandatory.
• Experience in urban school settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct counseling for student social-emotional challenges.
• Implement trauma-responsive strategies for student safety.
• Collaborate with families for culturally responsive support.

Skills

Trauma-informed practices

Culturally responsive care

Mental health support

Coping strategies

Education

Master's degree in Social Work

Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Job description

School Social Worker

Summary

The School Social Worker provides holistic, trauma-informed, and student-centered support to ensure that all students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This individual plays a critical role in promoting student wellness and family engagement, removing barriers to learning, and fostering a culture of belonging and purpose. Through direct counseling, crisis response, and coordination with families and community partners, the School Social Worker advocates for students' needs and empowers them to grow and succeed. Reporting to the Assistant Principal of Specialized Services, the Social Worker collaborates closely with school leadership, educators, and support teams to uphold Deep Roots Charter School's commitment to equity and excellence.

About Deep Roots

Where students discover joy, belonging, and purpose

Authentic Relationships
At Deep Roots Charter School, we take the time to know our students and their families-their backgrounds, purpose, and passion-and provide a variety of experiences from leadership to mentoring, to social-emotional learning and multiple clubs within the school day.

Personalized Learning
Every child receives individualized attention tailored to their unique learning needs and strengths. Deep Roots maximizes various learning styles and prioritizes individual student support.

Our Core Values:

• Practice: Every individual in our community engages in deliberate practice, understanding it as the path to excellence.

• Service: Our service-learning model is rooted in community presence and reflection.

• Purpose: We empower students to uncover their unique gifts and use them in service of something greater than themselves.

Antiracist & Inclusive
We are an actively anti-racist organization committed to advocacy and the dismantling of barriers within and beyond our school. We embrace and support the diverse identities and needs of all students and families.

Responsibilities & Duties

Support Student Well-Being and Development

• Provide direct counseling (individual and group) for students to address social-emotional challenges, trauma, or behavioral needs.

• Implement crisis interventions, trauma-responsive strategies, and support plans to promote student safety and wellness.

• Support students in developing coping strategies, social skills, and positive identity development.

Partner with Families and the School Community

• Collaborate with families to provide culturally responsive support and build trusting, solution-focused partnerships.

• Lead or participate in student support meetings (e.g., RTII, IEP, family conferences) to ensure consistent communication and planning.

• Design and facilitate family education workshops and engagement opportunities in partnership with school leadership.

Collaborate with Staff and Service Providers

• Partner with teachers, deans, and service providers to identify students in need of additional support and develop appropriate interventions.

• Train and coach staff on best practices for student mental health, behavior, and trauma-informed care.

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to support whole-child planning and access to services.

Manage Resources and Community Connections

• Conduct needs assessments to identify evolving student and family needs.

• Connect students and families to external resources and services, monitoring outcomes and impact.

• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with local and state requirements.

Contribute to School Culture and Growth

• Serve as an active member of the RTII team and other collaborative support teams.

• Promote a school-wide culture of high expectations, empathy, and joy.

• Support school-wide initiatives, including service-learning projects, professional development, and student supervision duties (e.g., transitions, recess, lunch).

Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work required

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification required

• At least one year of experience supporting students in urban school settings strongly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practices, mental health supports, and culturally responsive care

School Social Worker
Location: Philadelphia, PA 19134
Job Type: Full-Time