Middle School Social Worker / Counselor

Overview The School Social Worker supports students academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and mental health needs by collaborating with students, families, staff, and community partners to remove barriers to learning and ensure all students have equitable access to educational opportunities. The School Social Worker serves as a key member of the student support team and contributes to a safe, inclusive, and supportive school climate.

Status of Position This is a full-time position with Académie Lafayette. This is an exempt position pursuant to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Reporting The Social Worker reports to their campus/building principal.

Student Support & Intervention

Develop and implement intervention strategies that improve student academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional success. Provide crisis intervention, conflict resolution, de-escalation, and mediation for students. Provide short-term individual and small-group counseling and monitor student progress. Conduct student check-ins and develop intervention plans for students identified as at risk. Assist students who are new to the school or district with their social and emotional transition. Support students experiencing mental health concerns, trauma, grief, family changes, chronic illness, or physical disabilities. Coordinate services for students receiving homebound instruction or alternative educational placements. Intervene to improve student attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism through family outreach and individualized attendance plans.

Mental Health & Wellness

Connect students and families with school-based and community mental health, medical, and social service resources. Make referrals to outside agencies and coordinate follow-up services as appropriate. Implement evidence-based social-emotional and behavioral interventions. Coordinate and implement the Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculum for Grade 10 students. Teach classroom lessons focused on the IB Learner Profile, character development, citizenship, social-emotional learning, bullying prevention, substance abuse prevention, digital citizenship, and suicide awareness. Support schoolwide initiatives that promote student wellness, resilience, and positive school climate.

MTSS, PBIS & Behavioral Supports

Serve as the PBIS Building Lead by coordinating Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III behavioral supports. Analyze behavior, attendance, and social-emotional data to identify trends and recommend schoolwide interventions. Collaborate with teachers and administrators to develop and monitor behavior intervention strategies. Assist in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), as appropriate. Participate in MTSS problem-solving teams to identify student needs and monitor intervention effectiveness. Support implementation of restorative practices and positive behavior interventions throughout the school.

Family & Community Engagement

Serve as a liaison between home, school, and community agencies to strengthen family partnerships. Coordinate collaboration among students, families, teachers, administrators, and outside providers. Serve as the McKinney-Vento Liaison for students and families experiencing homelessness. Assist families in accessing community resources, housing assistance, food assistance, healthcare, counseling, and other support services. Maintain regular communication with families regarding student needs, interventions, and available resources.

Educational Support & Student Services

Coordinate Section 504 plans for designated grade levels. Inform teachers and parents of adaptive materials, accommodations, and student support services. Collaborate with teachers to develop classroom interventions that improve student engagement and academic success. Support teachers in implementing positive classroom management strategies and behavioral interventions. Assist with transition planning for students entering, exiting, or changing educational placements.

Collaboration & School Leadership

Coordinate and facilitate CARE Team meetings for students identified as academically, behaviorally, emotionally, or socially at risk. Collaborate with counselors, school psychologists, nurses, administrators, interventionists, and special education staff to coordinate comprehensive student supports. Participate as an active member of the Building Leadership Team, School Safety Committee, MTSS Team, Crisis Response Team, and other assigned committees. Assist in developing and implementing crisis response, threat assessment, suicide risk assessment, and student re-entry plans following hospitalization, extended illness, or significant life events. Provide professional learning for staff on topics such as trauma-informed practices, behavior management, de-escalation, restorative practices, conflict resolution, student mental health, and community resources.

Professional Responsibilities

Maintain accurate, timely, confidential, and legally compliant student records. Adhere to all federal, state, district, and professional ethical standards governing school social work. Maintain required licensure and participate in ongoing professional learning. Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and recommend continuous improvements. Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal or designee.

Qualifications

Licensed School Counselor/Social Worker 6-12 Appropriate certification/licensure by the state of Missouri Excellent communication skills 3 years experience in a school setting preferred

Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands

Needs to move about within the campus as necessary Occasional standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing Occasionally requires lifting up to 25 pounds Ability to organize and prioritize work schedules of others on short-term basis

Other Requirements

Be willing to provide information for background check clearance.