Position: Elementary School Social Worker or Elementary School Counselor

Status: Exempt

Reports to: Building Principal

Position Purpose:

Under the general supervision of the Building Principal, the Elementary School Social Worker/Elementary School Counselor provides a comprehensive range of school social work/counseling services to support students' academic, behavioral, social, and emotional success. The social worker/counselor collaborates with students, families, school staff, and community agencies to reduce barriers to learning, improve school engagement, and promote positive student outcomes.

Essential Functions:

Provides individual and group counseling to students experiencing academic, behavioral, social, emotional, or family-related challenges.
Conducts social and emotional assessments as part of special education evaluations, Section 504 evaluations, functional behavior assessments, and other student support processes.
Assists in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans and social-emotional supports for students.
Serves as a member of the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Child Study Team, and other problem-solving teams to identify and provide appropriate interventions.
Collaborates with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, counselors, special education staff, and other support personnel to promote student success.
Consults with parents and guardians regarding student needs, connects families with community resources, and strengthens home-school partnerships.
Provides crisis intervention, risk assessments, safety planning, and follow-up services as needed.
Assists with attendance improvement efforts by identifying barriers to attendance and developing intervention plans for students experiencing chronic absenteeism.
Coordinates services with outside agencies, including county social services, mental health providers, medical professionals, and community organizations.
Supports students and families during transitions, including enrollment, mobility, hospitalization, foster care placement, and re-entry following extended absences.
Assists with the implementation of school-wide social-emotional learning initiatives, positive behavior supports, and trauma-informed practices.
Maintains accurate and confidential student records in accordance with district procedures, state and federal laws, and professional ethical standards.
Participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504, manifestation determination, and other student support meetings as appropriate.
Provides consultation and professional learning opportunities to staff regarding student mental health, trauma-informed practices, behavior supports, and family engagement.
Continues professional growth through participation in workshops, conferences, and professional organizations.

Additional Duties:

Performs other related duties as assigned by the Building Principal, or Superintendent.
Supports district initiatives related to student wellness, equity, school climate, and social-emotional learning.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not intended to be all-inclusive of every duty performed by this position.

Equipment:

Uses standard office equipment including computers, printers, scanners, telephones, and other instructional technology.

Utilizes district student information systems, special education software, and electronic record-keeping systems.

Travel Requirements:

Travels between district buildings, student homes (when appropriate), community agencies, and professional development opportunities as required.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Knowledge of school counseling or social work principles, child development, trauma-informed practices, crisis intervention, and evidence-based behavioral supports.
Knowledge of special education laws, Section 504, FERPA, mandated reporting requirements, and other applicable state and federal regulations.
Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and social-emotional learning frameworks.
Ability to assess student needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.
Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to facilitate collaborative problem-solving and conflict resolution.
Ability to organize multiple responsibilities while maintaining confidentiality.
Demonstrated cultural competence and commitment to serving students from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with technology and electronic data management systems.

Work Environment:

Works primarily in a school setting with occasional travel throughout the district and community.
Regular interaction with students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or crisis situations requiring sound professional judgment.
Ability to move throughout school buildings and occasionally lift materials up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications:

Licensure

Current Minnesota licensure as a School Social Worker or School Counselor
Eligible for or holds appropriate Minnesota license.

Education

Master's Degree in School Social Work or School Counseling

Experience

Previous experience working with elementary-aged students preferred.
Experience in school social work, mental health services, crisis intervention, special education, or family services preferred.

Reports to:

Building Principal

Salary and Benefits: Based on Master Agreement

Contract: 2026-2027 School Year

Available: August 2026

Deadline: Until filled