School Social Worker

MEGX; Grand Junction (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k

Paid leave

Job summary

MEGX is seeking a dedicated School Social Worker to provide essential counseling and mental health support in Colorado schools. This role requires partnership with educators to develop inclusive, data-driven support for students.

The ideal candidate will possess an MSW, a Colorado CDE license, and experience with students with disabilities. Key responsibilities include assessments, direct support, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered, dependent on full-time or part-time status.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• CDE Special Services Provider license as a School Social Worker is necessary.
• Training in trauma-informed practices, SEL, and culturally responsive support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and evaluations for IEP development.
• Provide individual and group counseling aligned to student needs.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams for student support.
• Monitor student progress and implement behavioral interventions.
• Offer training to staff and family education.

Skills

Knowledge of IDEA

Crisis response skills

Communication skills

Cultural responsiveness

Counseling skills

Education

Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)

Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) special services provider license

Job description

Job Title: School Social Worker

Location: State-Wide - MUST BE A COLORADO RESIDENT (Grand Junction servicing Montrose Classical Academy in Montrose)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Student Services

Work Hours/Days: Full-Time or Part-Time based on student enrollment and special education service needs. Caseload expectations will be aligned with FTE assignment in accordance with state and federal special education guidelines.

Wage: $65,000-80,000/annually. Compensation will be prorated based on FTE assignment.

Benefits: Benefit eligibility is based on FTE status. Employees working 30 hours or greater per week are eligible for full benefits including health, dental, vision, 401k and paid leave. Employees working less than 30 hours per week will get paid sick leave.

School Social Worker

Job Function

The School Social Worker advances inclusive, data‑driven student services by partnering with school leaders, Special Services Providers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and families to deliver high‑quality, compliant social‑emotional and behavioral supports for qualifying students. This role strengthens MTSS/RTI frameworks, trauma‑informed practices, SEL programming, and inclusive school environments by ensuring culturally responsive assessment, intervention, and documentation within special education systems.

The School Social Worker provides counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and targeted mental health supports aligned to IEP goals, addressing the behavioral, social‑emotional, and functional needs of students with disabilities. Through collaborative problem‑solving, team‑based planning, and targeted professional learning, the School Social Worker builds capacity in schools and equips educators and families to implement effective SEL, behavioral, and mental health supports, including for students served through 504, Gifted, and Multi‑Lingual Learner pathways. The School Social Worker is a key member of multidisciplinary evaluation and IEP teams, with opportunities for remote consultation and support.

Core Responsibilities

1. Assessment, Evaluation & Compliance

• Conduct social‑developmental histories and contribute to multidisciplinary evaluations within CDE scope of practice.
• Provide input on social‑emotional, behavioral, environmental, and family‑system factors impacting learning.
• Develop IEP goals, service plans, progress‑monitoring systems, and required documentation.
• Support compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and school‑based mental health requirements.

2. Intervention, Mental Health & Direct Student Support

• Provide individual and group counseling aligned to IEP goals and student needs.
• Deliver crisis intervention, risk assessments, and safety planning using trauma‑informed practices.
• Implement SEL, coping‑skills, and behavior‑support interventions that promote regulation and resilience.
• Support students in developing self‑advocacy, emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and problem‑solving.

3. Collaboration, Inclusive Practices & Teaming

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, eligibility determinations, and IEP/504 development.
• Collaborate with teachers, special educators, psychologists, SLPs, OTs, administrators, and families.
• Promote inclusive practices such as UDL, restorative approaches, and SEL‑aligned accommodations.
• Coordinate with community agencies and mental health partners to support student and family needs.

4. Data‑Based Decision Making & Progress Monitoring

• Use assessment and progress‑monitoring data to guide counseling and behavioral interventions.
• Support teams in analyzing SEL, behavioral, attendance, and environmental data to inform supports.
• Maintain accurate service logs, progress reports, and compliance documentation.

5. Professional Learning & Family Support

• Provide training to staff on trauma‑informed practices, SEL strategies, and behavior supports.
• Offer consultation to support consistent implementation of social‑emotional and behavioral interventions.
• Provide family education and support to help caregivers navigate special education and mental health systems.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) Special Services Provider (SSP) license as a School Social Worker.
• Acceptable pathways include:
• CDE School Social Worker License (requires MSW + CDE‑approved preparation)
• Colorado LCSW eligible for CDE authorization
• Colorado SWC (clinical candidate) eligible for CDE authorization
• Training in trauma‑informed practices, SEL, MTSS, and culturally responsive mental health supports.
• Ongoing professional development in ethical practice, crisis response, and inclusive education.

Experience

• Experience working with students with disabilities and diverse family systems.
• Experience providing school‑based counseling, SEL instruction, and behavioral supports.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.
• Experience providing remote counseling or tele‑support preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of IDEA, MTSS, SEL frameworks, and school‑based mental health practices.
• Strong counseling, crisis response, and case‑management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, families, and service providers.
• Strong communication, cultural responsiveness, and documentation skills.
• Ability to support consistent implementation of SEL and behavioral interventions.