School Social Worker

Atlantis Academy•Glendale, AZ

6d•$60,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing organization with a social mission, is seeking a School Social Worker to join their Alternative Education team. This role involves performing meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation and offers potential for personal and professional satisfaction. The position is ideal for individuals passionate about supporting students in special education, thriving in a collaborative, outcome-focused environment, and possessing exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to making a difference. As a School Social Worker, you will play a pivotal role in empowering students in Grades 9-12 to reach their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. You will help create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment by providing individual and group counseling, and bridging connections between home and school. Collaboration with educators, families, and community professionals is key to supporting student success. Additionally, you will oversee daily site operations and serve as the key liaison, building and maintaining positive relationships with school district representatives. Your influence, leadership, and commitment will inspire students and colleagues.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
Meet all AZ state and district licensing and/or credential requirements.
Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid AZ state IVP clearance card.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral challenges, and/or other related disabilities.
Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
Highly skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a AZ department of education school social worker (SSW) credential preferred.
Minimum two years post-MSW experience supporting children in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Providing individual and group counseling to support students experiencing social, emotional, or family-related challenges affecting academic success, including crisis intervention and family consultation as necessary.
Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress.
Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts.
Maintaining consistent communication with parents/guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home-life changes impacting school performance.
Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations.
Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes as directed by school district partners.
Actively contributing to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns.
Collaborating closely with educational and community-based professionals (e.g., wrap-around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families.
Providing thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources.
Consulting and collaborating proactively with teachers, parents/guardians, district representatives, and service providers to develop impactful solutions for student learning and behavior challenges while promoting a positive company image and strong community relations.
Ensuring effective implementation of positive social skill teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom observations focused on staff adherence to students' IEP and Behavior Intervention/Treatment Plan goals.
Providing guidance, training, and support to teachers regarding classroom schedules, student data management, and transition planning to ensure appropriate services aligned with Individualized Education Plans and targeted goals.
Assessing student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs.
Conducting timely crisis assessments and coordinating immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
Staying current with research-based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support.
Responding constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback.
Performing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.