Licensed School Social Worker/Counselor - LCSW or LPC

KIPP New Orleans Schools • New Orleans, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The School Social Worker ensures equitable access to learning for KIPP students by addressing barriers related to attendance, behavior, mental health, and basic needs through universal, targeted, and intensive services. The role combines direct clinical support and case management with systems-building, progress monitoring, legally compliant documentation, and cross-team problem-solving with Student Support, Culture, Operations, and Academics. The Social Worker partners with families and community agencies, responds to crises, and helps advance a positive, identity-affirming school culture.

This is a full-time, 100% on-site position. Regular work hours, Monday through Friday, will be established with the supervisor. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required. Duties may include travel to other school facilities using the employee’s personal transportation.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
• State licensure, such as LCSW/LPC or state-approved equivalent; eligible for supervision if not independently licensed.
• School-based or youth mental health experience delivering Tier 2/3 interventions, crisis response, and case management.
• Working knowledge of MTSS, trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and child welfare/mandated reporting.
• Familiarity with special education and Section 504 processes and documentation.
• Data fluency, including use of screeners, progress monitoring tools, and SIS/SEIS platforms, and strong written documentation skills.
• Affinity for the organization’s mission and vision and demonstrated commitment to its five core beliefs: Relentlessness, Elevation, Achievement, Community, and Hope.
• Successful completion of a professional reference check, including the most recent supervisor, and state/federal background checks.
• Currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including moving throughout the school campus, communicating effectively in varied noise conditions, observing details at close range, reading and interpreting information, and maintaining visual attention and concentration.
• Ability to sit and work at a desk or computer for extended periods, and occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and respond quickly during routine supervision or emergency situations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver evidence-based social-emotional and mental health supports across Tiers 1–3, including classroom lessons, small groups, and short-term individual counseling or skill-building.
• Use validated screeners and referral pathways to determine student needs, provide or coordinate services, and track fidelity and impact.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including consents, progress notes, and service logs, in accordance with FERPA/HIPAA and district and state rules.
• Participate in IEP and Section 504 processes as assigned, including present levels, goals, and accommodations, and coordinate outside evaluations or services when indicated.
• Serve as McKinney-Vento and/or Foster Care point person as assigned by verifying eligibility, removing barriers, and coordinating supports such as transportation, supplies, and housing referrals.
• Lead or participate in crisis prevention and response, including risk screenings, safety plans, and re-entry meetings; train staff on referrals, de-escalation, and mandated reporting protocols.
• Coordinate with school nurses, security, and community responders, and document incidents and after-action steps.
• Partner with the Attendance Team to analyze data, conduct outreach, and implement interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism.
• Collaborate with Deans and Administrators on behavior plans, restorative conferences, and reintegration supports.
• Build resource networks for food, housing, medical and behavioral health, and transportation; connect families to resources and track outcomes.
• Facilitate accessible, multilingual family communication and workshops that build family capacity, including SEL strategies and navigating services.
• Manage referrals and MOUs with community providers and monitor quality, confidentiality, and follow-through.
• Establish dashboards or summaries for caseload, goals, service dosage, and outcomes, and present trends in Student Support meetings.
• Contribute to campus culture and Tier 1 SEL, including advisory, classroom routines, and staff professional development, and contribute to schoolwide attendance, crisis, testing, and re-entry plans.
• Maintain active supervision of students in assigned settings and be physically present at assigned work locations during the scheduled workday.
• Respond to school emergencies and participate in emergency procedures, including evacuations, lockdowns, shelter-in-place, reunification, and other crisis protocols.
• Support student and staff safety by implementing behavioral expectations and appropriate de-escalation strategies, maintaining situational awareness, and communicating promptly with school leadership and emergency personnel.
• Participate in required safety, emergency preparedness, and crisis response training.
• Maintain a friendly, respectful, professional, and courteous attitude; model strong customer service; contribute positively to the team; and be prompt and available for flexible scheduling.

Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 100% employer match on employee contributions up to the first 5% of salary and any bonuses; immediately vested.
• Health and wellbeing benefits beginning the first day of the month following the date of hire.
• Comprehensive, customizable health coverage, including disability and life insurance, hospital indemnity, and health and dependent care FSAs.
• Free dental and vision coverage for employees.
• Approximately 30 paid holidays and additional paid time off.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time