Social Worker- Elementary School

Memspa; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Vandercook Lake Public Schools seeks a full-time School Social Worker. The role involves supporting the student population, conducting group counseling, and guiding students through social and academic development. The successful candidate will coordinate 504 plans and liaise with families and agencies to address student needs.

Preferred MSW with LMSW/LLMSW licensure; strong communication and collaboration skills are essential to promote student well-being and positive school culture.

Qualifications

• MSW preferred or Licensure as LMSW/LLMSW.
• Eligibility to practice as a School Social Worker with appropriate state licensure.

Responsibilities

• Provide services to the entire student population.
• Engage in group counseling addressing social and academic concerns.
• Assist students with self-image and personal development.
• Coordinate truancy referrals and work with admin to reduce disciplinary issues.
• Create and manage 504 plans for general education students.
• Liaise with parents/guardians and community agencies as needed.
• Maintain confidential student case notes and collaborate with staff.

Skills

Timeliness

Planning

Teamwork

Integrity

Communication

Public speaking

Facilitation

Confidentiality

Education

MSW preferred

LLMSW or LMSW

BSW working towards a Master

Job description

Deadline: August 28, 2026
District/Organization: Vandercook Lake Public Schools
Position/Type: Other, full time
Salary: $48,565-$59,985

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Master of Social Work (MSW) preferred
• Limited License Master of Social Work (LLMSW) or a full Licenses Master of Social Work (LMSW)
• Bachelor of Social Work working towards a Masters

JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

• Specific Goals and Responsibilities
• Services to the entire student population
• Engages in group counseling to address social and academic concerns.
• Help students develop a positive self-image and gain a better understanding of their own capabilities and worth.
• Initiate contact with students through orientation and classroom visits, explaining the role of the Social Worker.
• Coordinates truancy referrals to appropriate agencies for students with attendance issues.
• Work proactively with Administration to reduce discipline issues and referrals.
• Create and manage 504 plans for General Education students not receiving Special Education services.
• Services to students as individuals and/or small groups, as referred by School Administrators, Teachers, Parents or other legal guardian.
• Has contact to help referred students understand self, family situations such as divorce, births/deaths, peer group interactions, home environment, etc.
• Coordinate Teacher Assist Teams (TAT); plan, coordinate and track the progress of students in the TAT process.
• Use test information, home visits, parent conferences, CA information and other available sources to plan collaboratively with teams, the best method to meet the individual needs of each student.
• Assist students with special needs and refer them to other specialist in student personnel services and to public and private agencies in the community (211 Social Services, Homebound, ISD, etc.)
• Identify problems and situations interfering with the ability of students to make optimal use of their educational experience; counsel with students spending excessive amounts of time in discipline settings (i.e. restorative room, sensory room, lunch detention, in-school-suspension, out-of-school suspension).
• Services to other instructional staff members
• Assists teachers in identifying, understanding, and dealing with student behaviors/attitudes.
• Maintains open lines of communication by distributing current materials and resources.
• Coordinates community/social service agency programs for classroom teacher’s use.
• Acts as a liaison between the school and home to increase communication, resolve conflict and build positive relationships.
• Services to Administration
• Keeps case file notes on student contacts and other activities.
• Collaborate with administrators and staff to improve the use of existing school programs and procedures (i.e. PBIS, Reaching Higher, etc)
• May be called on to handle emergency situations in support of, or the absence of administrators.
• Plan and implement in cooperation with administration, in-service workshops for staff on social work related topics relevant to education.
• Protect the confidential integrity of information regarding student circumstances or administrative correspondence.
• Promote a positive image of the school and its staff members to the community.
• Any other duties as assigned by the school administrators on an as needed or permanent basis.
• Service to Parents
• Keep parents informed of student’s progress or lack of progress through letters, emails, telephone calls, conversations, conferences or home visits.
• Organize and lead parent support groups as needed.
• Refer parents to other community agencies that may be helpful to them or their child.
• Shall be a positive and encouraging member representing the school district.
• Other duties as assigned by Administration

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Timeliness and follow-through in terms of action steps across multiple projects
• Excellent planning and time management skills with an emphasis on organizational and collaborative skills
• Effectively work in a team and independently
• Demonstrate integrity and flexibility while nurturing a dynamic student community
• Warm and friendly, yet also firm with student accountability for school rules
• Positive attitude, flexible approach, and a passion for learning
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and experience with public speaking
• Effective facilitator in large groups, small groups, and in one-on-one situations
• Maintain high professional standards for integrity, tactfulness, discretion, fairness, and confidentiality