SOCIAL WORKER, HOURLY (Central Pool 2026 - 2027 School Year)

Denver Public Schools; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time off

Health & wellness benefits

PERA Retirement

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Denver Public Schools is seeking a School Social Worker to provide direct and indirect social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health services to students. You will collaborate with families, school staff, and community partners to create supportive learning environments and improve student well-being.

The role requires a Master’s in Social Work, a Colorado Special Service Provider License for School Social Work, and a preference for an LCSW.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work required.
• Colorado SDE Special Service Provider License for School Social Work required.
• LCSW preferred.
• Experience in social work with students and families preferred.
• Commitment to equity and anti-oppression in education.

Responsibilities

• Consult with staff and parents to recommend developmentally appropriate services.
• Participate in crisis management, assess risk, and provide interventions and referrals.
• Provide social and emotional interventions for students individually and in groups.
• Collaborate with parents and school staff to develop behavior goals and interventions.
• Evaluate social-emotional needs under Section 504 and IDEA and set goals.
• Support district initiatives on social and emotional learning.
• Serve as liaison among students, homes, schools, and community resources.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the bargaining agreement.

Skills

Crisis management

Counseling

Family and school collaboration

Section 504/IDEA knowledge

Cultural competence

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work

Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License - School Social Work

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred

Job description

Job Description

** Applications will be received until September 20, 2026. If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. **

About This Job

School Social Workers will provide direct and indirect social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health services for children and youth, as well as work with families, school administrators, educators, and other professionals to create supportive learning and social environments for all students. The Social Worker provides assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of students.

What DPS Offers You

• A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives.
• Competitive Teacher/SSP Compensation and Procomp Incentive plan, click here for the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule. Click here for more information on compensation for these roles.Please note: You must submit all relevant documentation via onboarding before the deadline (15 days after receiving your offer letter) for salary setting purposes.
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits , and PERA Retirement .

What You'll Do

• Consult with staff and parents, make recommendations for developmentally appropriate services and strategies to assist in improving student achievement.
• Participate in crisis management by assessing risk, providing interventions, and making community referrals. counseling and or making referrals.
• Provide social and emotional intervention for students (in groups and individually).
• Consult with parents and school staff in the development of appropriate behavior goals/interventions.
• Evaluate the need for social and emotional support under Section 504 and IDEA. Interpret assessment test data and develop goals to meet individual student needs.
• Support district initiatives on social and emotional learning.
• Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (this is for coaching, tutoring, or summer programs, etc. for Dept. of Labor laws).

What You’ll Need

• Have a Master’s Degree in Social Work.
• Current Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License - School Social Work.
• Be a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) preferred.
• Have previous social work experience, preferred.
• Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
• Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
• Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.