School Social Worker

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education; Arizona; On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Dental and vision plans

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Ombudsman Educational Services is seeking a School Social Worker to support Grades 9-12 with individual and group counseling, collaboration with educators and families, and coordination of IEPs and BIPs. The role emphasizes crisis response, documentation, and cross‑team coordination in a supportive, mission‑driven environment.

Starting salary is $60,000–$65,000 per year, with eligibility for a Proposition Plan payout.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field required.
• Must meet AZ state licensing/credential requirements.
• Eligible for AZ IVP clearance.
• AZ Department of Education SSW credential preferred.
• Experience with IEPs and PBIS is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling for students in grades 9–12.
• Maintain accurate documentation and progress records.
• Coordinate IEPs and BIPs in alignment with regulations.
• Participate in IEP team meetings and collaborate with school personnel.
• Coordinate crisis intervention and connect students with resources.
• Build strong partnerships with families, teachers, and district staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

IEP knowledge

Crisis management

Documentation

Emergency response

Data management

Education

Master's degree in social work

AZ IVP clearance

Social work credential preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data entry

Job description

Ombudsman Educational Services
Glendale, AZ 85308, USA

• Pay or shift range: $60,000 USD to $65,000 USD
  Final offers extended based on experience, qualifications and other job-related details.

Description

Starting Salary: $60,000 - $65,000 /year based on experience PLUS Proposition Plan Payout Eligibility

Ombudsman Educational Services , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking aSchool Social Workerto join our award-winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you're passionate about supporting students in special education, thrive in a collaborative, outcome-focused environment, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference — We Should Talk!

As a School Social Worker, you'll play a pivotal role in empowering students in Grades 9-12 to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through individual and group counseling, you'll help create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment, bridging essential connections between home and school. You'll collaborate closely with educators, families, and community professionals, fostering strong partnerships to support student success. In addition, you'll oversee daily site operations and serve as the key liaison, building and maintaining positive, dynamic relationships with school district representatives. Your positive influence, leadership, and commitment will inspire both students and colleagues alike.

Providing individual and group counseling to support students experiencing social, emotional, or family-related challenges affecting academic success, including crisis intervention and family consultation as necessary.

Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress.

Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts.

Maintaining consistent communication with parents/guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home-life changes impacting school performance.

Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations.

Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes as directed by school district partners.

Actively contributing to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns.

Collaborating closely with educational and community-based professionals (e.g., wrap-around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families.

Providing thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources.

Consulting and collaborating proactively with teachers, parents/guardians, district representatives, and service providers to develop impactful solutions for student learning and behavior challenges while promoting a positive company image and strong community relations.

Ensuring effective implementation of positive social skill teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom observations focused on staff adherence to students' IEP and Behavior Intervention/Treatment Plan goals.

Providing guidance, training, and support to teachers regarding classroom schedules, student data management, and transition planning to ensure appropriate services aligned with Individualized Education Plans and targeted goals.

Assessing student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs.

Conducting timely crisis assessments and coordinating immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing.

Staying current with research-based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support.

Responding constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback.

Performing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
• Meet all AZ state and district licensing and/or credential requirements.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid AZ state IVP clearance card.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a AZ department of education school social worker (SSW) credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Minimum two years post-MSW experience supporting children in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting preferred.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at‑risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral challenges, and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Well‑versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data‑based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
• Highly skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision‑making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Y our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance !

Positive Behavior Intervention and Support

Some Knowledge

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

Some Knowledge

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Some Knowledge

Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

Some Knowledge

Student Development

Intermediate

Behavioral Disorders

Intermediate

Learning Disabilities

Intermediate

Intermediate

Working With At-Risk Students

Intermediate

Advanced

Communication

Advanced

Interpersonal Skills

Advanced

Computer Skills

Intermediate

Behaviors

Preferred

Dedicated

Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Functional Expert

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Education

Required

Masters or better in Social Work or related field.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Ability to Obtain

AZ - IVP Clearance Card

Crisis Prevention Inst

Preferred

School Social Worker

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.