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 educational network as a School Social Worker, where you will play a vital role in supporting student success through direct counseling and crisis intervention. This full-time position offers the opportunity to work closely with students, families, and staff to foster a positive school culture and ensure that every student has the resources they need to thrive. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role is perfect for passionate educators looking to make a significant impact in the lives of students. Enjoy competitive salary and benefits while being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to eliminating educational inequity.

Benefits

Health and Supplemental Insurance

11+ weeks off per year

Paid PTO from Day 1

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Provide triaged counseling services and crisis intervention.
• Develop and monitor IEPs and 504 plans for students.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Counseling

Social Emotional Learning

Restorative Practices

Professional Development

Collaboration

Self-awareness

Education

Masters in Social Work

Enrollment in MSW program

Job description

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

• Complete evaluations and write assessment reports for students who may have obstacles in accessing their education due to social emotional impact.

• Create IEPs & 504s that address root causes of impact areas by outlining goals and services that will support students in their growth.

• Progress monitor direct and indirect services to ensure our services and supports are helping students and adjust accordingly when needed.

Crisis Response

• Lead on immediate crisis response by using evidence based protocols regarding suicidality, self-harm, and threats to others.

• Develop postvention plans that include direct and indirect supports for students in the aftermath of a crisis.

• 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:

• 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.

• Delivering professional development and coaching for staff on trauma informed practices and other social emotional areas.

• Providing family support through resource sharing, trainings, and consistent communication and collaboration.

• 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

• All candidates must have a Masters in Social Work or currently be enrolled in a MSW program.

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives.

• Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator.

• Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Speaks Spanish.

• Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches.

• Has experience working with English Learners.

• 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.

• 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.

• Time Off: DSST Staff enjoy 11+ weeks off per year + paid PTO (from Day 1!).

• 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 other protected statuses.

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.