School Social Worker, Special Education

Sylvania; Flint (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is hiring a School Social Worker to support special education students and families in Flint, MI. The role requires an MSW and Michigan School Social Worker licensure, with the ability to collaborate across a multidisciplinary team and participate in IEP meetings.

A sign‑on bonus of up to $12,000 is available for 2026/27. The position involves home visits, community resource linkage, and crisis intervention when needed, with 186 school days annually and a salary aligned to district

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited college or university.
• Must hold one of the following qualifications: PSSWC, PSWC, SSWP.
• Knowledge of IDEA and ability to conduct comprehensive evaluations.
• Ability to provide counseling and work with families, staff, and community resources.
• Experience with IEP processes, assessments, and case management.
• Michigan School Social Worker License required.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and evaluate social, emotional, and behavioral needs of special education students.
• Design behavior management plans and provide case management.
• Collaborate with educators and community organizations to support student success.
• Provide individual and group counseling services.
• Participate in IEP meetings and parent conferences.
• Assist families in understanding and engaging in their child’s education.
• Report child abuse/neglect and implement crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintain records and reports for compliance.

Skills

IDEA knowledge

Counseling skills

Collaboration

Team communication

Case management

Education

MSW degree

PSSWC

PSWC

SSWP

Job description

Employee Job Description

Job Title: School Social Worker Up to $12k 2026/27 Sign on Bonus Available!

Job Summary

The School Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting special education students and their families by identifying, assessing, and addressing social, emotional, and behavioral needs. They collaborate with educators, administrators, and community agencies to develop intervention strategies, implement behavior management plans, and provide counseling services. Additionally, they participate in student assessments, IEP meetings, and case management to ensure students receive the necessary support for academic and personal success. Through home visits and outreach efforts, they help families engage in their child’s education and connect them with essential community resources.

Essential Functions (May include, but not limited to)

1. Identify, assess, and evaluate the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of special education students to determine necessary interventions and support services.
2. Design and implement behavior management plans, consult with general and special education teachers, and provide case management for students requiring multiple services.
3. Work closely with educators, administrators, and community organizations to develop strategies that support student success in both academic and social settings.
4. Provide individual and group counseling services to eligible special education students to address emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
5. Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, student assessments, and parent conferences to ensure proper support and accommodations.
6. Assist parents and families in understanding and participating in their child’s education, conducting home visits, when necessary to strengthen school-family connections.
7. Identify and report cases of child abuse and neglect while implementing crisis intervention strategies as needed.
8. Maintain case records, track student progress, and provide reports to administrators, ensuring compliance with special education policies and procedures.
9. Provide staff with research-based behavior intervention techniques and assist in professional learning communities to support student well‑being.
10. Mobilize school and community resources to enhance student learning and connect families with external support services.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.

The information contained in this job description is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Other duties within the classification and the physical demands of the job may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited college or university.

Must hold one of the following qualifications:

• Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (PSSWC)
• Professional School Social Worker Certificate (PSWC)
• School Social Worker Permit (SSWP)

Skills:

Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and requirements. Ability to provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of children suspected of being emotionally impaired and autism spectrum disordered. Ability to provide appropriate direct or indirect treatment services to individuals, groups, families, and the school community. Ability to work with community resources and make appropriate referrals. Ability to establish effective working relationships in a multi-discipline setting with parents, students, building principals and school staff. Knowledge of how factors such as family, culture, socio economic status and physical and mental health can affect student’s performance. Demonstrated instructional consultation skills including outstanding organization and communication.

Other Requirements

Must comply with the Student Safety Initiative Legislation, as amended. Newly hired staff are required to successfully complete the following pre‑employment screenings: 1) Criminal background check, including national and local clearance.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The essential functions are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Job Considerations

Certification: Required

Type of Certification: Valid Michigan School Social Worker License

Bargaining Unit: United Teachers of Flint Salary Schedule: Teacher Salary Schedule, 186 days per year

Immediate Supervisor: Building Principal & Director of Learning Support Services