School Social Worker (2025-2026 School Year)

DSST Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading network of public charter schools as a School Social Worker, where you will make a significant impact on student success. This role involves providing essential counseling services, leading crisis interventions, and collaborating with educators to foster a supportive school culture. You'll have the chance to work with diverse student populations, develop individualized education plans, and contribute to a transformative educational environment. With a commitment to equity and inclusion, this position offers the opportunity to grow professionally while making a difference in the lives of students. Embrace this chance to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and supports your growth.

Benefits

Health and Supplemental Insurance

11+ weeks off per year

Paid PTO from Day 1

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Masters in Social Work or enrolled in MSW program required.
• Experience in crisis intervention and counseling services is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct counseling services and lead crisis interventions.
• Develop IEPs and monitor student progress to ensure success.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Counseling Services

IEP Development

Trauma-Informed Practices

Professional Development

Bilingual (Spanish)

Education

Masters in Social Work

Enrollment in MSW Program

Job description

School Social Worker (2025-2026 School Year)

POSITION: School Social Worker (SSW)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the Spring.

SALARY: $65,000-$83,000 based on years of aligned experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)

START: First day of new staff training at the end of July.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Our School Social Workers (SSWs) and School Psychologists (SPs) are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through providing triaged direct counseling services to our students, leading through crisis intervention, supporting in adult development, and collaborating on how to build strong school culture.

Supporting Students with IEPs & 504

1. Complete evaluations and write assessment reports for students who may have obstacles in accessing their education due to social emotional impact.
2. Create IEPs & 504s that address root causes of impact areas by outlining goals and services that will support students in their growth.
3. Progress monitor direct and indirect services to ensure our services and supports are helping students and adjust accordingly when needed.

Crisis Response

1. Lead on immediate crisis response by using evidence based protocols regarding suicidality, self-harm, and threats to others.
2. Develop postvention plans that include direct and indirect supports for students in the aftermath of a crisis.
3. Collaborate with culture leaders to ensure safety and support plans are implemented with fidelity.

Follow Your Passion Opportunities

In addition to the above foundational responsibilities, our providers have the opportunity to take on projects aligned to their passions. These include:

1. Supporting the school’s attendance system by developing attendance plans that provide resources to families and working with community organizations to provide wrap around interventions.
2. Delivering professional development and coaching for staff on trauma informed practices and other social emotional areas.
3. Providing family support through resource sharing, trainings, and consistent communication and collaboration.
4. Leading Social Emotional Learning for the whole school; including direct services for students to support student achievement.

Additional duties as assigned such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, having duties, etc.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. All candidates must have a Masters in Social Work or currently be enrolled in a MSW program.
2. An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives.
3. Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator.
4. Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

1. Speaks Spanish.
2. Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
3. Has experience working with English Learners.
4. Demonstrated success working with students of color and students with varied abilities.

WHO WE ARE

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to be the largest and highest-performing network of public charter schools in Denver and Aurora with 100% of our students having been accepted into college or post secondary programs since our inception in 2004. When you join DSST, you play a part in ensuring all 7,500+ students at our 16 schools have access to a transformational and joyful education.

INTERVIEW EXPECTATIONS

For most of our positions, we hire on a rolling basis. Therefore, we recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able!

WHY JOIN DSST?

At DSST, we know that our people are the greatest asset we have in reaching our mission of eliminating educational inequity. We work hard to build a work culture that allows our staff to not only feel fulfilled by the work they do but also feel supported to live a joyful, healthy life. We want this work to be your life’s work.

1. Health and Supplemental Insurance: DSST staff have access to comprehensive medical benefits, including fertility benefits and a mental health counselor that is dedicated solely to DSST staff.
2. Time Off: DSST Staff enjoy 11+ weeks off per year + paid PTO (from Day 1!).
3. Professional Development: As a learning organization, DSST values both internal and external development opportunities for staff.

DSST COMMUNITY REFERRAL PROGRAM

Not a best fit role for you but know someone else who would be a great fit? Refer them and earn $500 if they are hired!

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, National origin, sex, Age, Disability, or any other protected status.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.