School Social Worker

Position begins August 17, 2026 for the 26-27 school year (190 days/year).

Pay

Salary range is approximately $52,000–$60,000, commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify and address social, emotional, learning, cultural, environmental, and economic barriers that impede educational progress.
• Serve as a liaison between home, school, and community; promote mental-health awareness.
• Engage families and community agencies in planning, implementing, and evaluating students’ educational, social, and environmental needs.
• Provide referral information to students, families, and school personnel, including recommending and facilitating access to community-based services.
• Instruct individuals and groups in social skills as required by Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide group and individual counseling to students within the IU 11 area and support assigned staff.
• Maintain records of all services provided.
• Plan and deliver social-skills lessons using research-based programs and teaching methods.
• Document and evaluate student progress through progress monitoring and observation.
• Monitor students’ adaptive and behavioral progress when appropriate.
• Consult with classroom teachers and other staff as needed.
• Maintain contact with parents of students.
• Conduct or assist in Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop positive behavior support plans.
• Conduct presentations and training for IU and district staff, community agency staff, and parents.
• Plan and develop training, including researching topic areas, for IU and district staff, community agency staff, and parents.
• Prepare, maintain, and disseminate current information and materials based on research related to mental health.
• Complete comprehensive assessments of student needs, identify strengths and needs, and develop treatment or behavior plans when appropriate.
• Conduct individual or group counseling sessions in accordance with treatment plans or for crisis intervention.
• Evaluate student response to intervention and modify plans or recommend extensions as needed.
• Assist in developing student exit plans integrating aftercare, school-based intervention, and appropriate referrals.
• Maintain regular communication (verbal and written) with student family members and educators for continuity of care.
• Gather data for educational decision-making and collaborate to determine programming needs and modifications.
• Prepare and maintain written reports documenting activities and recommendations for IEP teams.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Requirements

• PDE-certified School Social Worker.
• Valid Pennsylvania license in social work.
• Master’s degree in social work.
• Act 24 Arrest and Conviction Report, Act 34 Pennsylvania Criminal History Clearance, Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and Act 114 Federal Criminal History Clearance.
• Ability to travel between school/sites served.
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to use crisis intervention, including physical safety and management as trained.

Qualifications

• Education Specialist Certification preferred (emergency or certification-eligible accepted).
• Experience working with children in a public-school setting preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of mental-health disorders, behavior, and treatment modalities preferred.
• Advanced skill in individual and family therapy.
• Advanced skill in crisis intervention.

Skills

• Effective communication and maintenance of working relationships.
• Team collaboration and independent work as appropriate.
• Effective interaction with professionals, pupils, parents, and community agency staff.
• Objective-setting, prioritization, and time management.
• Clear and concise oral and written expression.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to changing student and organizational needs.
• Data-driven decision-making.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Confidentiality of pupil information per Intermediate Unit policy.
• Honesty, integrity, and reliability.