Director of Student Support Services (Licensed School Social Worker)

The Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor is seeking a full-time Social Worker to serve as our Student Support Coordinator for our K-12 program. This individual should enjoy working with children, be able to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment, and work as an advocate and support for children’s mental, emotional, and learning needs. Our school values authentic relationships, innovation, and a commitment to diversity and belonging work.

About Our School

We support our students, teachers, and administration through a strong curriculum, schedules, festivals, and school-wide collaboration. Along with a rich academic program, we offer both Spanish and German from first to twelfth grade, a growing movement program, strong fine and practical arts, choral and instrumental music. We celebrate a wide mix of traditional festivals from around the world, including Rosh Hashanah, Diwali, Dia de Los Muertos, Lunar New Year, and Eid al-Fitr.

With over 250 students, preschool through grade 12, RSSAA allows the full Waldorf pedagogy to unfold. We have a deeply experienced staff of Waldorf-trained faculty, recognizing the gifts of all individuals and the value of caring for the human spirit. Our education strives to foster individuals who have confidence in themselves and are prepared to meet the challenges of our rapidly changing society. We endeavor to help students see connections between disciplines, synthesize and integrate information, and continue to love learning throughout their lives.

Founded in 1980, RSSAA started with Grades 1-4 in a small building and has grown into a vibrant community. Our high school campus (Pontiac Trail) is a short drive away and offers a space for students to fully appreciate the richness of the curriculum. The Lower School Campus (Early Childhood – 8th grade) is on 13 wooded and grassy acres, set in a suburban neighborhood, close to the river. We strive to be in balance with our grounds through working with native species in our outdoor education program, while having plenty of play spaces, a gymnasium, and a soccer field. Our Middle School classes are in a separate building on the Lower School campus.

Responsibilities

• Support the High School through counseling and overseeing Social Work interns
• Lead the Student Support team for Early Childhood through Grades 1-8
• Work collaboratively with Student Support team, families, and teachers to identify and address student support needs
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of accommodation plans for students
• Provide resources and professional development support to teachers and families in regard to neurodiversity, social and mental health

Requirements

• Licensed Social Worker with a Masters degree in Social Work
• Passion for education and working with children
• Approaches student needs and conflict with patience, compassion, and care
• Uses creativity and imagination to meet children at their developmental stage
• Recognizes and responds to the needs of the whole class while supporting the lead teacher and individual students who may need additional support
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with teachers, families, and committees
• Supports children’s social-emotional learning and development
• Demonstrates curiosity and openness to Waldorf education
• Builds collaborative and respectful partnerships with colleagues and families

Pay

This full-time, year-round role offers a salary range of $42,000–72,000 per year, with flexible summer hours.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Life insurance
• Matching 403b contributions
• Generous tuition remission package

We care about you as a person, your continued development, and your life outside of school. Our supportive and creative work environment encourages new ideas and provides opportunities for growth. Our campuses are located a few minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, offering the richness and diversity of a university town with a small-town feel. Ann Arbor is home to the Anthroposophical Society in America, Rudolf Steiner Health Center for anthroposophical medicine, and a biodynamic farm. We are a 40-minute drive from Detroit, which offers cultural richness, museums, and the Detroit Waldorf School.