School Social Worker or School Counselor

West Valley School District #363 • Spokane Valley, WA

14h • Onsite

About The Position

Dishman Hills High School is seeking a compassionate, student-centered School Social Worker or School Counselor with an active ESA (Educational Staff Associate) certification in either School Counseling or School Social Work. This position supports a diverse student population through academic, social- emotional, and college and career development. The ideal candidate is dedicated to equity, empowerment, and innovation in alternative education. About Dishman Hills High School: We are a small, relationship-based school serving students in grades 8–12 from across Spokane County. Our program is built around personalized learning, project-based instruction, and a deep commitment to student belonging and voice. We offer flexible scheduling, an emphasis on career readiness, and a unique advisory model to ensure every student is known, supported, and prepared for their future.

Requirements

• Valid Washington State ESA Certificate with an endorsement as a School Social Worker or School Counselor.
• Experience in giving and organizing student assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with high school-aged students and their families
• Knowledge of graduation requirements and High School and Beyond Plans.
• Knowledge of college and career planning, including scholarships, FAFSA, and post-high school options.
• Knowledge of local social services (health, housing, mental health, transportation, etc.) to support students and families.
• Able to respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Knowledge of how to support students showing signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Strong skills in planning, decision-making, and setting priorities.
• Comfortable using technology for instruction and school operations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in non-traditional, alternative, or project-based schools
• Familiarity with high school systems, including credit tracking, graduation requirements, and intervention planning
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, mental health supports, and trauma-responsive practices

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to onboard new students, review transcripts, and develop personalized graduation plans
• Support 8th grade transition to HS, including College Bound Scholarship
• Support students and advisors with High School and Beyond Plans, graduation pathways, credit tracking, and course registration
• Guide students and families through postsecondary planning, including FAFSA, scholarships, apprenticeships, and college applications
• Coordinate state and district assessments (e.g., SBA, WCAS, IABs), including staff training, scheduling, communications, and day-of logistics, complete compliance reports while ensuring student support is maintained during testing window
• Strengthen and sustain MTSS tiered systems of support
• Provide individual crisis and ongoing group counseling to support emotional regulation, behavior, and attendance
• Implement SEL and advisory programming in collaboration with teachers
• Respond to student crises, support transitions between placements, and facilitate whole-school interventions when needed
• Participate in SEL-related PD and provide PLC workshops for staff.
• Connect students and families with community resources and coordinate case management for at-risk youth
• Serve as a member of the School Leadership Team
• Co-plan and implement the advisory curriculum, including lessons on social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and other topics identified through student data and PLC process
• Lead building teams such as the Re-Engagement and Student Support Team
• Build and maintain partnerships with outside agencies and service providers
• Deliver professional development for staff around trauma-informed care, MTSS, SEL, and cultural responsiveness
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture
• Provide support to staff when needed to identify and try strategies to strengthen academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets in students
• Utilize and help maintain shared student support systems and tracking tools to ensure coordinated case management across the staff team

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).
• state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).
• 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off.
• paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave.
• 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year).
• VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree