The School Social Worker ensures every KIPP student has equitable access to learning by addressing barriers to attendance, behavior, mental health, and basic needs through a tiered continuum of services (universal, targeted, intensive). This role blends direct clinical support and case management with systems-building: progress monitoring, legally compliant documentation, and cross-team problem solving with Student Support, Culture, Operations, and Academics. The Social Worker partners with families and community agencies, responds to crises, and advances a positive, identity-affirming school culture.
Key Responsibilities:
Tiered Services (MTSS) & Counseling
Deliver evidence-based socialāemotional and mental health supports across Tiers 1ā3 (classroom lessons, small groups, and short-term individual counseling/skill-building).
Use validated screeners and referral pathways; determine level of need, provide/coordinate services, and track fidelity and impact.
Case Management, Compliance & Referrals
Maintain accurate, timely records (consents, progress notes, service logs) aligned to FERPA/HIPAA and district/state rules.
Participate in IEP/504 processes as assigned (present levels, goals, accommodations), and coordinate outside evaluations/services when indicated.
Serve as McKinney-Vento and/or Foster Care point (as assigned): verify eligibility, remove barriers, and coordinate supports (transportation, supplies, housing referrals).
Crisis Response & Safety
Lead/participate in crisis prevention and response (risk screenings, safety plans, re-entry meetings); train staff on referral, de-escalation, and mandated reporting protocols.
Coordinate with school nurses, security, and community responders; document incidents and after-action steps.
Attendance, Behavior & Basic Needs
Partner with Attendance Team to analyze data, conduct outreach, and implement interventions to reduce chronic absenteeism.
Collaborate with Deans/Administrators on behavior plans, restorative conferences, and reintegration supports.
Build resource networks (food, housing, medical/behavioral health, transportation); connect families and track outcomes.
Family & Community Partnership
Facilitate accessible, multilingual communication and workshops that build family capacity (e.g., SEL strategies, navigating services).
Manage referrals and MOUs with community providers; monitor quality, confidentiality, and follow-through.
Data, Progress Monitoring & Team Collaboration
Establish dashboards/summaries for caseload, goals, dosage, and outcomes; present trends in Student Support meetings.
Contribute to campus culture and Tier 1 SEL (advisory, classroom routines, staff PD) and to schoolwide plans (attendance, crisis, testing, re-entry).