Licensed Social Worker/Social Emotional Program Lead– Elementary (Setting III)

Wayzata Public Schools ISD 284; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayzata Public Schools seeks a licensed social worker to lead the elementary Setting III Social Emotional Program. The role combines direct SEL services with operational leadership to support students with significant social-emotional challenges.

The position, at Greenwood Elementary, is a 1.0 FTE role starting ASAP, with compensation reflecting education/experience within the district contract framework.

Qualifications

• LICSW is required for School Social Worker role.
• Experience with trauma-informed and restorative approaches is essential.
• Experience with FBAs/BIPs and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a Setting III program for students with emotional/behavioral needs.
• Collaborate with school admin, special ed teams, and related service providers to implement IEP-aligned programs.
• Maintain compliance with special education regulations and documentation.
• Provide individualized and group SEL instruction and therapeutic support.
• Develop and implement behavior intervention plans using trauma-informed/restorative approaches.
• Engage in crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed.
• Lead staff PD in trauma-informed care and behavior support.

Skills

Restorative practices

Trauma-informed care

Crisis intervention

CASEL SEL framework

FBAs & BIPs

Leadership & collaboration

Education

LICSW (School Social Worker)

Job description

Licensed Social Worker/Social Emotional Program Lead– Elementary (Setting III) JobID: 11790

• Position Type: Special Education, EL, Health, Licensed/ Social Worker
• Date Posted: 9/15/2026
• Location: Greenwood Elementary School

Elementary School Social Worker/ Social Emotional Program Lead

Location: Greenwood Elementary

FTE: 1.0 Each

Starting: ASAP

Compensation Range: $52,308-$123,452 (Depending on Education and Experience)

*Please see Wayzata Education Association Contract for more information

Position Description

Weare seeking a compassionate, highly skilled, and experienced Social Emotional Program Lead to support and lead a specialized program for Setting III elementary school students with significant social-emotional and behavioral needs. This individual will play a pivotal role in providing both direct and indirect services, maintaining classroom structure, and facilitating social-emotional learning (SEL) within a trauma-sensitive, restorative framework.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manager the daily operations of a specialized Setting III program serving studentswith emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Collaborate with school administration, special education teams, and related service providers to implement individualized programs aligned with IEP goals.
• Maintain compliance with special education regulations and documentation.

-Direct & Indirect Student Services

• Provide individualized and small-group SEL instruction and therapeutic support.
• Develop and implement proactive behavior intervention plans (BIPs) using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Engage in crisis prevention and intervention, supporting de-escalation and recovery processes.

-Classroom Structure & Instruction

• Maintain a predictable, structured, and emotionally safe classroom environment.
• Collaborate with paraprofessionals and support staff to ensure consistency in behavior expectations and responses.
• Incorporate evidence-based SEL curriculum and mental health strategies into daily instruction.

-Collaboration & Family Engagement

• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and outside mental health providers to support continuity of care.
• Lead and participate in IEP meetings, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), and multidisciplinary team planning.
• Support staff with professional development in trauma-informed care, behavior support, and restorative practices.

Qualifications

• LICSW (School Social Worker)
• Extensive experience working with:
  • Students with intensive behavioral needs
  • Trauma-impacted youth
  • Mental health disorders and emotional disabilities
• Knowledge of and experience with:
  • Restorative practices
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation
  • Social-emotional learning frameworks (e.g., CASEL)
  • Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
  • Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, employee assistance program, and 403b (tax sheltered annuity) employer match program

About Wayzata Public Schools

Wayzata Public Schools is a vibrant, caring community of teachers and students located in the Twin Cities' western suburbs. Extending from the north shore of Lake Minnetonka, we encompass 38 square miles of beautiful countryside, lakeside communities and growing suburbs. Each of our students is on a unique and wonderful educational journey - and we do everything we can to help them embrace and nurture the possibilities. Discover why we are considered one of the best school districts in the country!

Why Wayzata?

• High student achievement
• Instructional Technology- Technology levy has increased the number of computers and other technology available for use in the classroom.
• Alternate Compensation- This program provides teachers with additional professional development opportunities through peer coaches, courses and study groups..
• Professional support and development- First year teachers are provided a mentor and on-going professional development opportunities.
• Internal Applicants must complete the internal application located on the website under application process.

Selection Procedure

Applications received on or before 4:00 PM on September 21st will be given first consideration. Position will remain open and active until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Wayzata Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity, and veteran-friendly employer.

Wayzata Public Schools ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, gender, color, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or disability. Wayzata Public Schools is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the district and strongly encourages persons to apply who can strengthen our diversity.

Accommodation

If you have a disability that requires an accommodation during the selection process, please callHuman Resources at 763-745-5000

Background Check Upon Conditional Offer

Background checks are conducted upon receiving a conditional offer. Employees must complete a background check and are responsible for the background fee. A passing background is required. Criminal convictions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.