School Social Worker (2026-2027 School Year)[Immediate Start]

Grade level: Middle school and high school positions. Multiple locations in Denver, CO. Full-time, in-person, school-year schedule (benefits eligible, exempt). Start date: end of July for new-staff training.

About the role

Our School Social Workers (SSWs) and School Psychologists (SPs) are leaders who play an integral role in ensuring student success through triaged direct counseling services, crisis intervention, adult development, and collaboration on building strong school culture.

Responsibilities

• Support Students with IEPs & 504
  • Complete evaluations and write assessment reports for students facing social-emotional obstacles to education.
  • Create IEPs & 504s that address root causes, outlining goals and services for student growth.
  • Progress monitor direct and indirect services, adjusting supports as needed.
• Crisis Response
  • Lead immediate crisis response using evidence-based protocols for suicidality, self-harm, and threats to others.
  • Develop postvention plans with direct and indirect supports for students after a crisis.
  • Collaborate with culture leaders to ensure safety and support plans are implemented with fidelity.
• Follow Your Passion Opportunities
  • Support the school’s attendance system by developing attendance plans and collaborating with community organizations for wrap-around interventions.
  • Deliver professional development and coaching for staff on trauma-informed practices and social-emotional areas.
  • Provide family support through resource sharing, trainings, and consistent communication.
  • Lead Social-Emotional Learning for the whole school, including direct services to support student achievement.
  • Additional duties such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, or supervising student activities.

Requirements

• Master’s in Social Work or currently enrolled in an MSW program.
• Unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives.
• Desire to grow professionally in anti-racist education practices.
• Self-awareness, regular reflection, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Experience working with English Learners.
• Demonstrated success working with students of color and students with varied abilities.

About DSST Public Schools

DSST Public Schools serves over 7,500 students across 16 schools, with 97% attending a Green (top-rated) school. We achieve transformational results through values-centered, human-focused collaboration. Our impact includes:

• 100% of DSST graduates admitted to college or a postsecondary program.
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF.
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend.
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits:
  • Salary range: $70,000–$88,000 based on up to 10 years of aligned experience.
  • Relocation stipend for candidates joining from 75+ miles outside Denver.
  • Fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks (e.g., Safeway grocery discounts).
• Growth & Opportunity:
  • Weekly 1:1 coaching and data-driven feedback.
  • Clear career pathways, including Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader programs.
• Rewards & Recognition:
  • Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the Flower Person Award for staff who help the community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness:
  • Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative and Wellness Wednesdays.
  • Comprehensive health coverage and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Work-Life Balance:
  • 11+ weeks off each year.
  • Local discounts to enjoy life in Colorado.

Schedule

Full-time, school-year position with a start date at the end of July for new-staff training. Follows the DSST School Year Calendar.

Physical Demands

The role requires regular talking, hearing, and active movement, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, and crouching. Must be able to lift and/or move items up to 30 pounds. Requires sufficient dexterity to operate office equipment and specific vision abilities (close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus).