.8 Special Education Social Worker (Includes Incentive)
About the role
A licensed professional who has the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure that diverse student populations have equitable access to academic instruction and participation in school-related activities; develops, implements, and supports evidence-based services and/or specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students; supports growth and development to close achievement gaps and prepare students for postsecondary and workforce success; has a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the home, school and community, and collaborates with all members of the education team to strengthen those connections; through reflection, advocacy, and leadership, enhances the outcomes and development of students.
Responsibilities
- Reports consistently for work as scheduled
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Attains proficient or higher evaluations on established Performance Standards
- Applies knowledge of the ways in which learning takes place, including the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students
- Complies with applicable state and federal laws, district administrative policies, procedures, and practices, and location requirements
- Demonstrates high standards for professional conduct
- Demonstrates knowledge of effective services that reduce barriers to and support learning
- Demonstrates knowledge of school social work and integrates evidence-based practices and research findings into services for students
- Demonstrates leadership in the school, the community, and the teaching profession
- Demonstrates mastery of and expertise in school social work
- Demonstrates professionalism through ethical conduct, reflection, and leadership
- Develops and implements services related to student needs, learning, and progress towards goals
- Engages students as individuals with diverse needs and interests, across a range of ability levels by adapting services for the benefit of students
- Ensures that students are supervised at all times
- Establishes and communicates high expectations and use strategies to support the development of critical-thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-advocacy
- Follows established policies and procedures regarding the health, safety, welfare, and education of students
- Fosters a safe, accessible, and predictable learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior and efficient use of time in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults and peers
- Instructs, assesses, and differentiates for all students' academic, social, emotional, and health needs
- Integrates and utilizes appropriate available technology to engage students in authentic learning experiences
- Links professional growth to professional goals
- Maintains accurate records
- Manages materials and supplies
- Models and promotes effective communication
- Models appropriate conduct at all times
- Performs duties as directed by supervisors and administrators
- Performs non-instructional duties as directed
- Plans and delivers effective services in an environment that facilitates learning for students
- Provides services aligned with state and federal laws, local policies and procedures, Colorado Academic Standards, the organized plan of instruction, and the individual needs of students
- Responds as directed and as necessary in safety and/or crisis situations
- Responds to a complex, dynamic environment
- Supervises volunteers and paraprofessionals where applicable
- Supports and establishes safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments for a diverse population of students
- Understands and responds to diversity within the home, school, and community
- Uses and integrates technology to support professional responsibilities, instruction, data interpretation, and student learning
- Uses effective conflict resolution
- Uses feedback and reflects about professional practice to improve teaching and learning
- Utilizes formal and informal assessments to inform planning and service delivery
- Works collaboratively with the families and/or significant adults for the benefit of students
Qualifications
- Meets subject, grade level, and/or content area qualifications consistent with Colorado Department of Education and Academy District 20 requirements
- Academy District 20, Special Services Provider License: Initial - Colorado Department of Education
- Academy District 20, Special Services Provider License: Professional - Colorado Department of Education
Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Ability to create, access, input, retrieve, and manipulate information in various software systems
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from many diverse backgrounds and professions including supervisors, administrators, coworkers, staff, students, parents, and the general public
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Ability to greet and interact with the public in a courteous and professional manner
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to manage simultaneous demands and set clear priorities
- Ability to use technology to improve instruction and learning, and to interpret test data
- Ability to work days, hours, locations, and assignments as directed by the supervisor within the position responsibilities
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision
- Commitment to the education of students as a primary responsibility
- Communicates effectively with students and adults in a wide variety of settings
- Computer proficiency including office productivity applications
- Demonstrates citizenship, compassion, courage, discernment, excellence, honesty, hope, integrity, patience, perseverance, reliability, respect, responsibility, and trustworthiness
- Demonstrates effective organizational and time management skills
- Detail-oriented
- Energetic, creative, innovative, flexible
- Excellent cooperative, collaborative, and problem-solving skills
- Grade level, content/subject area, and inquiry-based skills
- Knowledge of and experience with how technology integration supports learning
- Knowledge of Colorado Academic Standards, curriculum, standards-based instruction, assessment, and differentiation
- Knowledge of effective classroom and positive behavior management
- Knowledge of Special Education, other educational programming, and associated legal requirements as related to the needs of the students assigned to the SSP
- Knowledge of the academic, emotional, physical, and social development of students
- Promotes a positive climate, culture, and community
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, listening, and verbal communication skills
- Student-centered and relationship-focused
- Understanding of data privacy laws and their implications for the educational community
- Willingness to participate in ongoing training as required
Pay & Schedule
- Compensation Range: $52,800.00-$85,242.00 (Based on education and experience at 100% FTE)
- Scheduled Weekly Hours: 30
- Hours Per Day: 6.0 hour(s) per day
- Number Of Days Per Year: 183 Days M-F
Benefits
Full-time - Regular. For more information on our benefits, please visit Employee Benefits | Academy District 20 (asd20.org).
Location: EAC (Education and Administration Center)
Estimated Start Date: 08/10/2026
Due to the unique nature of many Special Education positions, a variety of these positions are eligible for an annual stipend: Social Worker - $8,500