Social Worker

Sourcewell; Wadena (IA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Sourcewell is seeking a dedicated School Social Worker for the 2026-2027 school year. Under the supervision of the MS/HS Principal, the role provides tailored counseling to students, families, and staff to overcome personal and social challenges, maximizing learning outcomes.

The successful candidate will conduct assessments, coordinate with outside agencies, support dropout prevention, and maintain thorough records to assist colleges and employers in planning the student’s transition.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Social Work principles, theories, testing and methods.
• Familiarity with differentiated instruction based on learning styles.
• Experience with data information systems and action planning.
• Understanding of applicable federal and state education laws.
• Proficiency with computer networks and software applications.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work effectively.
• Strong communication with students and parents.
• Commitment to professional growth and self-evaluation.
• Ability to develop cooperative relationships with colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students to identify issues.
• Performs casework with students and parents to encourage participation.
• Assists students and staff in implementing behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies and authorities as needed.
• Works with administrators to assess student abilities and needs.
• Supports dropout prevention efforts and counseling services.
• Maintains records and provides information to colleges and employers.
• Encourages parental involvement and effective home-school communication.
• Participates in orientation and in-service training for staff.

Skills

Social Work principles

Differentiated instruction

Data analysis & action plans

Federal and state education laws

Computer literacy

Organizational skills

Communication with students/parents

Professional growth & self-evaluation

Cooperative relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in education discipline

Master's Degree in Social Work

Job description

Position Purpose

• For the 2026-2027 school year. Under the general supervision of the MS/HS Principal, to provide students, parents, administrators, and other teaching staff with individually-tailored advice and consultation to overcome personal, emotional, familial, or social issues to maximize the students' learning experience.

Essential Functions

• Conducts assessments, testing and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning or social interaction issues, and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning.
• Performs casework services with students and parents to encourage parental understanding of, and participation in, overcoming social issues to maximize the educational experience of the student.
• Assists students and teaching staff in implementing students' behavior management plans.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Coordinates with administrators and other teaching staff members to ascertain individual student's abilities and needs, including students with special needs, and to familiarize stakeholders with social work services.
• Assists with the school district's dropout prevention efforts.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide counseling that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping and providing student information to prospective colleges and employers, as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Assists in the orientation of new teachers, and provides in-service training in guidance.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Additional Duties

• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of Social Work principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven behavior management methods.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effective with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

Qualifications Profile

Certification/License:

• Minnesota School Social Worker License.
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education:

• Bachelors from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
• Masters Degree in Social Work.

Experience:

• Successful prior teaching experience for the appropriate grade level preferred.

FLSA Status: Exempt