School Social Worker-Special Education

Position Title: School Social Worker- Special Education

Date Posted: May 4, 2026

Date Available: Start of 2026-27 School Year

SUMMARY

To provide resources, consultation, and direct casework services to students with disabilities (or those who are suspected of having a disability) with an emphasis on outcomes within the educational setting. WSESD school social workers perform high-quality student evaluations embedded within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework in accordance with special education rules and regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Functions as a liaison between local schools, local agencies, the ESD, and/or the state, and promotes ambassadorship of the WSESD Board of Education’s Policies, Mission, Vision, Goals, and District Priorities.
• Engages in and promotes confidentiality, maintains professional, positive relationships and communication with students, parents, educators, administrators, co-workers, and agencies.
• Participates in special education evaluations within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) rules, and WSESD guidelines.
• Administers and interprets norm-referenced, standardized assessments (i.e. rating scales, behavioral data), and makes recommendations to the IEP team regarding IEP compliance.
• Writing of affective/behavior goals, objectives, and accommodations based upon the School Social Worker’s evaluation results with consideration to the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
• Attends school meetings related to MTSS, specialized ESD committees/activities within the service milieu, special education referral processes, multi-disciplinary evaluation teams (METs), IEPs and manifestation determinations.
• Consults and collaborates with parents, school staff, colleagues, and agencies regarding educational and behavioral matters, utilizing school best practices.
• Facilitates functional behavior assessments and positive behavior support plans.
• Makes data-driven recommendations while collaborating effectively with the behavior interventionists, behavior intervention assistants, teacher consultants, school staff, and parents.
• Counsels/teaches students on strategies to build an adjustment to school, increase pro-social, emotional, and behavioral skills as it relates to their disability and school success. (This may include crisis counseling). Creates/implements strategic lesson plans around those strategies.
• Documents/monitors progress on Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/IEP goals/objectives.
• Keeps abreast of field developments via professional learning opportunities, workshops/conferences, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

EDUCATION/SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from a graduate School of Social Work Program approved by the Michigan Board of Education.
• Minimum of a 500 clock hour supervised social work practicum.
• Satisfactory completion of 1 year as a school social worker with direction from a fully approved school social worker.
• Presence on the job is an employee’s fundamental obligation.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance is required.

BENEFITS/WORKING CONDITIONS: 184-day school-year contract with competitive pay and benefits as outlined in the West Shore Education Association Agreement.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please send your resume and credentials to [email protected]

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), height, weight, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military service, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its program and activities, including employment opportunities. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. Questions or concerns about our employment practices may be directed to our Compliance Officer at 2130 W US-10, Ludington, MI 49431, [email protected], or 231-898-1559.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person