School Social Worker

POSITION: School Social Worker (SSW)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Hiring at multiple locations. You can view the current openings at this link. We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not listed as we will be posting new roles throughout the Spring.

SALARY: $65,000-$83,000 based on years of aligned experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!

STATUS: Full time school year, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)

START: First day of new staff training at the end of July. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.

Our School Social Workers (SSWs) and School Psychologists (SPs) are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through providing triaged direct counseling services to our students, leading through crisis intervention, supporting in adult development, and collaborating on how to build strong school culture.

• Supporting Students with IEPs & 504:
  Complete evaluations and write assessment reports for students who may have obstacles in accessing their education due to social emotional impact;
  Create IEPs & 504s that address root causes of impact areas by outlining goals and services that will support students in their growth;
  Progress monitor direct and indirect services to ensure our services and supports are helping students and adjust accordingly when needed

• Crisis Response:
  Lead on immediate crisis response by using evidence based protocols regarding suicidality, self-harm, and threats to others;
  Develop postvention plans that include direct and indirect supports for students in the aftermath of a crisis;
  Collaborate with culture leaders to ensure safety and support plans are implemented with fidelity

Responsibilities

• In addition to the above foundational responsibilities, our providers have the opportunity to take on projects aligned to their passions. These include:
• Supporting the school’s attendance system by developing attendance plans that provide resources to families and working with community organizations to provide wrap around interventions
• Delivering professional development and coaching for staff on trauma informed practices and other social emotional areas
• Providing family support through resource sharing, trainings, and consistent communication and collaboration
• Leading Social Emotional Learning for the whole school; including direct services for students to support student achievement

Additional duties as assigned such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, having duties, etc. See many of our possible duties here.

Minimum Qualifications

• All candidates must have a Masters in Social Work or currently be enrolled in a MSW program. You can read more about requirements for Mental Health Providers at DSST here.
• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives
• Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator
• Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve

Ideal Qualifications

• Speaks Spanish
• Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches
• Has experience working with English Learners
• Demonstrated success working with students of color and students with varied abilities

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as…