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

Wayzata Public Schools; Wayzata (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Long-Term Disability

403b match

Job summary

Wayzata Public Schools is seeking an Elementary School Social Worker/Social Emotional Program Lead (Setting III) to support a trauma-informed, restorative SEL program for students with significant social-emotional needs. This role leads program operations, collaborates with special education teams, and delivers direct and indirect services.

The position requires LICSW certification, extensive experience with students with behavioral needs, and strong leadership and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• LICSW credential and school-based experience required.
• Extensive experience with students having intensive behavioral needs and trauma-impacted youth.
• Knowledge of restorative practices, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and CASEL SEL frameworks.
• Experience leading IEP meetings, FBAs, and multidisciplinary team planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the daily operations of a specialized Setting III program serving students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
• Collaborate with school administration, special education teams, and providers to implement programs aligned with IEP goals.
• Maintain compliance with special education regulations and documentation.
• Provide SEL instruction and therapeutic support using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
• Lead IEP meetings, FBAs, and multidisciplinary planning; support staff with professional development in trauma-informed care.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Restorative practices

FBAs & BIPs

Education

LICSW (School Social Worker)

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Wayzata Public Schools ISD 284

Licensed Social Worker/Social Emotional Program Lead– Elementary (Setting III) JobID: 11844

• Position Type: Special Education, EL, Health, Licensed/ Social Worker
• Date Posted: 10/23/2026
• Location: Sunset Hill Elementary School

Elementary School Social Worker/Social Emotional Program Lead

Location: Sunset Hill Elementary

FTE: 1.0

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:

-Program Leadership & Coordination

• 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 October 20th, 2026 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.

Postings current as of 10/27/2026 4:20:11 PM CST.