Social Worker (2026-2027 School Year)

Democracy Prep Public Schools strives to ensure all scholars succeed in the college of their choice and lead a life of active citizenship. Our Social Workers play a vital role in supporting the mental and emotional well-being of scholars, preparing them for success both in the classroom and beyond. This role collaborates with school leadership and the scholar support team, serving as a bridge between our schools, families, and community.

Who You Are

• Mission-Driven Educator: You are committed to the Democracy Prep mission of fostering college success and authentic civic engagement for scholars.
• Self-Reflective Professional: You actively align your work with Democracy Prep's commitment to antiracism and contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
• Collaborative Team Member: You work effectively with teachers and administrators to support a positive school community.
• Effective Communicator: You communicate clearly and persuasively, adapting your approach to various stakeholders.
• Certified School Social Worker: You hold a master's degree in social work (LMSW required) and have a passion for providing individualized support to youth.
• Supportive Professional: You are dedicated to ensuring scholars receive the emotional support needed to thrive academically and socially.

Responsibilities

• Counseling and Direct Student Support: Provide individual and group counseling, focusing on scholars' social, emotional, and behavioral needs, utilizing therapeutic approaches such as:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
• Support Emotional Well-Being: Assist scholars in overcoming personal challenges and provide coping strategies for trauma, stress, and grief through evidence-based practices.
• Referrals and Resources: Connect scholars and families to external resources and services to address emotional, physical, or economic challenges, ensuring timely follow-ups.
• Mandatory Reporting: Act as a mandatory reporter for abuse or neglect cases, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Capacity-Building for Teachers and Staff: Provide professional development to staff on social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and DBT-informed strategies to support scholar regulation.
• Support Student Success: Provide interventions that directly address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges affecting scholars' well-being.
• Develop and Lead Professional Development: Train staff on SEL integration, restorative practices, and trauma-informed strategies.
• Track and Report Student Progress: Monitor scholar development through qualitative and quantitative measures, such as improved SEL competencies, reduced absenteeism, and increased engagement.
• Collaborate with Families: Develop resources and workshops that engage families in supporting their children's mental health and emotional development.

Qualifications

• A Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
• LMSW certification (required)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document counseling sessions and produce professional reports and presentations.
• Experience in coordinating professional development for staff and leading training sessions related to SEL, restorative practices, and mental health support.
• Understanding of confidentiality standards and the ability to maintain accurate and secure documentation in compliance with legal and organizational guidelines.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Parental leave
• A smartphone and a laptop

Pay

Salary range is $66,000 - $129,217 and commensurate with your experience.