Social Worker

ReNEW Schools; Gary (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

ReNEW Schools is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to provide wraparound services that support student success at Steel City Academy in Gary, Indiana. The ideal candidate will strengthen family engagement and develop community partnerships, ensuring all students, particularly those facing barriers, thrive in their educational journey.

Responsibilities include providing counseling, designing behavioral interventions, and collaborating with teachers and families to address academic and social issues. A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work is required, and a Master’s degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant school-based or youth-serving experience preferred.
• Current Indiana licensure (LSW, LCSW) preferred.
• Experience coordinating community partnerships is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling to students for social-emotional development.
• Collaborate to implement behavioral interventions.
• Serve as McKinney-Vento liaison for eligible students.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to design and implement support systems

Exceptional organizational skills

Familiarity with restorative practices

Proficiency in MS Office and Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Master's degree in Social Work

Job description

Social Worker Job Description

Visit www.steelcityacademy.org to learn more about Steel City Academy and apply for the role. Please contact Executive Director, Katie Kirley, directly with any questions about the role ([e-mail]).

Overview of Steel City Academy

Steel City Academy is an A-rated, community-embedded K–12 charter school that was designed in partnership with the community to offer a new narrative of what’s possible for the students and families of Gary. At Steel City, we prioritize safety, human connection, and learning with individualized attention and support in an environment where parents trust us with their children. Students access rigorous curriculum and high-quality instruction with teachers who believe in them and are equipped with the support, coaching, and resources to be their best selves.

We expose students to the world through transformative experiences while maintaining our pride, commitment, and impact in Gary. We leverage our team and community partners to ensure every student has what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. A model for high-quality public education, Steel City redefines expectations, delivers results, and provides children and families in Gary with the school they deserve.

The Social Worker reports directly to the Assistant Principal and collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team teachers, families, and community partners.

The Social Worker is responsible for providing wraparound services to support student success, strengthening family engagement, and building systems of support through community partnerships. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that all students—particularly those facing barriers such as housing insecurity, trauma, or mental health needs—are able to fully participate and thrive in our school community.

The Social Worker also serves as the McKinney‑Vento liaison, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and connecting families experiencing homelessness with resources that remove barriers to education.

Primary Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Student & Family Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students to support social‑emotional development, attendance, and overall well‑being.
• Collaborate with teachers and staff to design and implement Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavioral interventions.
• Serve as the McKinney‑Vento liaison, ensuring timely identification of eligible students and providing appropriate services and referrals.
• Partner with families to strengthen their engagement in the school community and address barriers to student attendance, academic success, and participation.
• Drive the implementation of attendance initiatives to achieve 95%+ daily student attendance, with targeted strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Community Partnerships & Wraparound Services

• Develop, manage, and sustain partnerships with community-based organizations to provide wraparound services for students and families (e.g., mental health, food, housing, clothing, and enrichment resources).
• Coordinate onsite and offsite community resources, ensuring that families receive seamless access to needed supports.
• Represent Steel City Academy at community events, coalitions, and resource networks to expand opportunities for students and families.

School Culture & Systems

• Collaborate with the Assistant Principal to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Support the design and execution of school‑wide rituals, routines, and celebrations that foster joy, belonging, and student success.
• Lead a student “Squad” advisory group to foster academic growth and support social‑emotional well‑being.
• Contribute to school‑wide duties that promote student supervision, reinforce positive culture, and strengthen the sense of community.

Qualifications: Values and Mindsets

• Purpose: Driven to play a unique role in improving the city we love.
• Team: Embraces one another’s distinct strengths, growing and winning together.
• Grit: Finds resilience and solutions in the face of adversity and obstacles.
• Accountability: Owns actions and supports others in meeting their full potential.
• Joy: Reflects enthusiasm and positivity in all interactions.
• Gratitude: Appreciates every effort made to help students and families thrive.

Qualifications: Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to design, implement, and monitor systems of support for students and families.
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Capacity to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Familiarity with restorative practices, trauma‑informed care, and culturally responsive approaches.
• Proficiency with MS Office, Google Workspace, and willingness to learn school‑specific data systems.

Qualifications: Education and Prior Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or related field required; Master’s degree in Social Work strongly preferred.
• Current Indiana licensure (LSW, LCSW, or equivalent) preferred.
• 3–5 years of relevant school‑based or youth‑serving experience strongly preferred.
• Experience coordinating community partnerships and serving in compliance‑focused liaison roles (e.g., McKinney‑Vento, Title I) is a plus.

Work Demands

• Flexibility to work outside of typical school hours to meet student and family needs.
• Ability to attend school events, community meetings, and professional development opportunities.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check as required by law.

Benefits and Salary

Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is included.

Anti-Discrimination Policy and Commitment to Diversity

Steel City Academy seeks individuals of all religious, ethnic, and racial backgrounds, and sexual and gender identities to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort.