School Social Worker

Choice Schools Associates; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

New Branches Charter Academy operates under Choice Schools Associates in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeking a School Social Worker to support students’ emotional and social development and implement evidence‑based intervention strategies within our environmental academy.

Role emphasizes collaboration with teachers, families, and community resources to promote student success and well‑being, while adhering to NASW Code of Ethics and school policies.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work is required.
• Michigan School Social Worker certification is required.
• Valid social worker license (LLMSW or LMSW) issued by LARA is required.
• Experience with IEP processes and coordination is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assessments and evaluations to inform interventions and supports.
• Provide social work services and psycho‑social support to students.
• Coordinate referrals to community resources and agencies.
• Participate in case conferences and collaboration with school staff.
• Maintain records and uphold confidentiality and NASW ethics.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Counseling skills

Time management

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Job description

School Social Worker

Choice Schools Associates Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

About this position

About Our Academy

At New Branches Charter Academy (NBCA), our mission is to provide a positive academic and social learning environment for all students. NCBA is a destination school, located on a 12 acre campus that is known for providing environmentally focused learning experiences and self‑sustaining practices through dedication to academic excellence. NBCA knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands‑on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.
• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

About the role

To promote understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success, along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies. This position will support and uphold the mission and vision of the environmental academy.

What you’ll do

Assessments and Evaluation:

• Conducts assessments and evaluations in accordance with family and student rights.
• Uses student, family, and school assessment results to identify needs affecting student learning.
• Supports the creation and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).

Counseling and Psycho‑Social Support:

• Provides social work services to students.
• Conducts psycho‑social assessment and recommendations and interventions within school setting.

Student Support and Referrals:

• Makes referrals to public or private agencies with appropriate follow‑up.
• Serves as a liaison between school, family, and community resources.

Case Conferences and Collaboration:

• Participates in the Child Study Process and IEP process as required.
• Collaborates with other pupil personnel workers, school personnel, and community agencies in case conferences.

Personal and Emotional Well‑being:

• Works with students individually to address personal problems related to home, family, health, and emotional adjustment.

Policy Development and Education Programs:

• Participates in the development of instructional policies and regulations.

Professional Development and Ethics:

• Conforms to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work practice.
• Engages in appropriate professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills.

Record Keeping and Facilities:

• Maintains and administers the student records system in compliance with regulations and confidentiality.
• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.

Time Management and Responsibilities:

• Organizes time, resources, energy, and workload to fulfill responsibilities effectively.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provides in‑service training for staff in guidance programs, student conflict resolution, and self‑awareness programs.
• Participates in appropriate professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (required)
• State of Michigan Certification as a School Social Worker (required)
• Valid social worker license (LLMSW or LMSW) issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) (required)

Desired Requirements:

• Knowledge of and ability to follow and implement the Individualized ("IEP") process.
• Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds.
• Demonstrated competence in all areas of focus.
• Social work case reporting and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to counsel students, parents, and staff, individually and in groups.
• Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

About Choice Schools Associates

New Branches Charter Academy is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student‑centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, New Branches is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight‑knit community school in your area.