School Social Worker

South Coast ESD; Coos Bay (OR); On-site; USD 64,373 - 105,298; Full time

Job summary

South Coast ESD is seeking a School Social Worker to collaborate with administrators, teachers, families, and community partners to remove barriers to learning and support the academic, social, emotional, and psychological success of students.

The role uses MTSS to provide direct intervention, crisis management, family advocacy, and collaborative consultation, with responsibilities including data-driven planning, trauma-informed practices, and coordination of services under Oregon regulations.

Qualifications

• MSW from an accredited program.
• Active or eligible Oregon TSPC School Social Worker license.
• Knowledge of MTSS, IDEA, FERPA guidelines and school-related policies.

Responsibilities

• Assess student needs and plan interventions using MTSS.
• Conduct behavioral observations across classroom, cafeteria, and playground to gather data.
• Collaborate with SST, 504, and IEP teams, sharing social-developmental histories.
• Provide short-term counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
• Coordinate family and community resources to address barriers to learning and stability.
• Develop and track Tier 1–3 SEL interventions and support plans.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crisis management

Effective communication

Family engagement

Education

MSW degree

Oregon TSPC SSW license

Job description

Job Characteristics

The School Social Worker works collaboratively with school administration, teachers, families, and community agencies to reduce barriers to learning and support the academic, social, emotional, and psychological success of all students. Utilizing a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), this position provides direct intervention, crisis management, family advocacy, and systemic consultation within a school setting.

Essential Functions

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Pursuant to OAR 584-070-0401, the scope of practice includes, but is not limited to, the following core domains:

• Assessment and Data-Driven Planning
• Assess home, school, personal, and community factors that may affect a student's readiness to learn.
• Conduct behavioral observations across diverse school settings (classroom, cafeteria, playground) to gather functional data.
• Participate actively in multi-disciplinary teams, including Student Support Teams (SST), Section 504 teams, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, providing social-developmental histories and ecological assessments.
• Direct Interventions & Support Services
• Identify and implement evidence-based intervention strategies for children and their families, including short-term individual counseling, small-group social skills development, and conflict resolution.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention, threat assessments, and suicide risk screenings in alignment with district policies and Oregon state safety protocols.
• Develop, implement, and track Tier 1, 2, and 3 social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions.
• Consultation & Collaboration
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and building staff regarding the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
• Assist school staff in developing trauma-informed practices, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), and Behavior Support Plans (BSPs).
• Provide or coordinate professional development workshops for school personnel and parents on topics such as child development, poverty, trauma, and mental health.
• Family and Community Resource Coordination
• Coordinate family, school, and community resources on behalf of students to address socioeconomic barriers, food insecurity, housing instability, and healthcare gaps.
• Serve as a bridge between families and the school district, advocating for underserved populations, culturally/linguistically diverse families, and students experiencing homelessness (under the McKinney-Vento Act).
• Conduct home visits when necessary to support family engagement and assess student needs.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of child development, systemic racism, social justice issues, and the impact of trauma on early childhood learning.
• Knowledge of Oregon School Law and Policy, mandatory reporting laws, and FERPA/HIPAA regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with a diverse student population, parents, and community stakeholders.
• Strong crisis-management techniques and the ability to maintain level-headedness in high-stress situations.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Director and/or Superintendent.

Education/Certification

• Master of Social Work (MSW) from a regionally accredited institution.
• Required to hold or be immediately eligible to obtain an active School Social Worker License issued by the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) (Preliminary, Professional or Reciprocal).
• Note: While a clinical license through the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers (LCSW/LMSW/CSWA) is highly valued, TSPC licensure is mandatory for this role.

Working Conditions

The employee may work beyond an eight-hour day or a five-day work week attending meetings, conferences, and school activities. The employee needs to be competent in conflict resolution. The employee must be able to communicate effectively in confrontational and emotional situations involving staff, students, parents and patrons. Confidentiality is a top priority for the persons in this position. The employee at times works under varied workloads and inflexible deadlines. Problems may arise which require immediate attention setting up conflicting priorities. Sound judgment is required to effectively prioritize these demands. The employee must be able to lift materials, boxes or equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. The employee may need to participate with others in lifting /moving equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. The employee may come into contact with biohazards such as human waste, saliva, or blood, and should take appropriate protective precautions. Emotional Resilience: Must be capable of effectively working in an environment that can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing due to crisis response and exposure to student trauma.

Terms Of Employment

Terms of Employment: 191 Day

Rate: $64,373 to $105,298

First consideration for this position will be given to properly licensed members of the collective bargaining unit.

A fingerprint-based criminal history investigation will be required.

South Coast ESD is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal and state statutes which prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap or marital status.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate an individual with a disability or disabilities.

• Union: South Coast ESD Education Association

Bargaining unit members shall have first consideration for vacancies in bargaining unit positions, if qualified by license and experience. First consideration means bargaining unit members will be interviewed during the posting period and notified whether they will be offered the job prior to the interviews of, and/or the job being offered to, someone outside the bargaining unit.