McKinney-Vento Counselor/Social Worker - Title 1

Job Summary

The Social Worker will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating the district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and indirectly through special area assignments. The Social Worker is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students. Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison between family, school, and community agencies
• Conduct home visits and gather information to assess student’s needs relevant to the student’s educational, social, and physical development
• Identify and report abuse and/or neglectful situations to appropriate agencies
• Provide intervention services to students and their families during time of crisis and as needed
• Identify cultural, ethnic, financial, physical, and emotional challenges and provide support to alleviate barriers
• Consult with school personnel to identify problems affecting a student’s academic progress, behavior and personal well-being
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct in-service activities on intervention issues and techniques
• Maintain, compile and report accurate records in compliance with district, state, and federal regulations
• Aid with the gathering of disbursement of clothing, shoes, and hygiene items
• May provide transportation, upon administrative approval, for student and/or family to receive services
• Perform other related duties, as may be assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
• Master’s degree in social work
• ADE Certification for Social Work required, if funded by federal grants
• Valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Valid Arizona driver’s license and ability to make home visits
• Minimum three years successful social work or related experience or one year of field instruction in a school environment
• Supervised fieldwork in school settings or with children and families
• Attendance at workshops, conferences, or training sessions focused on school social work issues, such as trauma-informed care, diversity and inclusion, and crisis intervention
• Bilingual preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Adheres to established federal and state laws, board policies and regulations, and district procedures
• Supports the mission statement of the district and school
• Supports the Statement of Awareness/Understanding adopted by the MUSD Governing Board, and complies with the Meet and Confer Agreement
• Accepts supervision and direction of the site administrator
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Does not engage in discriminatory practices on any basis, including race, origin, gender, socio-economic status, disability, religion or political beliefs
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by the site administrator

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Designated office within the school but may travel between multiple schools or sites within a district
• May occasionally work outside regular school hours to meet with families or attend community events
• Face high levels of interaction and variability each day
• Handle challenging situations, including trauma, mental health crises, and family conflicts
• Must balance emotional demands with administrative tasks, such as writing reports and maintaining case records
• Primarily sedentary work: Spending time sitting at a desk or computer for documentation and communication
• Light physical activity: Walking through school campuses, climbing stairs, or moving between locations

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.