Social Worker - 1.0 FTE
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on776, Baxter Street Southeast, Third Ward, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, 49503, United States
About the Role
The Social Worker at Thornapple Elementary serves as a vital support system for students navigating personal, emotional, and social challenges that may hinder their academic progress. This position bridges the gap between general and special education, working directly with students to help them cope with difficulties and fully engage with their educational experience.
In this role, you will act as a consultant to parents, administrators, and teachers, collaborating to meet the emotional and social needs of the student body. Your work involves identifying barriers to learning, developing targeted interventions, and fostering positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues. You will also serve as a key liaison with community agencies, private therapists, and medical professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for students with disabilities.
Day in the Life
Your day will be a dynamic mix of direct student interaction and strategic collaboration. You will conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services in accordance with IDEA and MARSE. For students with emotional or behavioral concerns, you will provide direct therapy and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP) based on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA).
You will frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including principals and teachers, to plan and implement school programs that support student well-being. A significant portion of your time will be dedicated to data collection and record-keeping to ensure compliance with special education laws, FERPA, and district policies. Additionally, you will contribute to the professional learning of school staff and may be called upon to utilize CPI, CPR, and First Aid strategies to ensure student safety.
Work Environment
This position operates within a school setting where the noise level is typically moderate to loud. Duties may be performed both indoors and outdoors, with a primary responsibility for the safety and well-being of students. The role requires physical mobility to stand, walk, and interact with students in various environments, as well as the mental capacity to analyze complex situations, communicate effectively, and synthesize data for decision-making.
Equal Opportunity
The Forest Hills Public School District is committed to providing an inclusive environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), marital status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally prohibited basis in its employment decisions or the provision of services.
Work location
Work model: On-site
776, Baxter Street Southeast, Third Ward, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, 49503, United States
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleConduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for special education eligibility
- check_circleProvide direct therapy and intervention for students with emotional or behavioral concerns
- check_circleConduct Functional Behavior Assessments and develop Positive Behavior Support Plans
- check_circleCoordinate referrals and serve as liaison with community agencies and treatment programs
- check_circleAssist in fostering professional learning for school staff
- check_circleCollect and analyze data to make decisions regarding student services
- check_circleIdentify student progress barriers and consult with staff to plan interventions
- check_circleMaintain accurate student records and files in compliance with IDEA and FERPA
- check_circleCollaborate with IEP teams to determine special education eligibility under IDEA
Requirements
- verifiedMaster's degree in social work
- verifiedFull or temporary approval from the Michigan Department of Education as a school social worker
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Social Work, Diagnostic Evaluations, Iep, Idea, Marse, Ferpa, Functional Behavior Assessments, Positive Behavior Support Plans, Cpi, CPR.
Education: Master's degree in social work required.
Frequently asked questions about Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools
What does a Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools will conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for special education eligibility; provide direct therapy and intervention for students with emotional or behavioral concerns; conduct functional behavior assessments and develop positive behavior support plans; and coordinate referrals and serve as liaison with community agencies and treatment programs.
What are the requirements for this Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role?expand_more
To qualify for the Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools position, applicants should have: Master's degree in social work; and Full or temporary approval from the Michigan Department of Education as a school social worker.
Where is the Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role at Forest Hills Public Schools located?expand_more
Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools is based in 776, Baxter Street Southeast, Third Ward, Grand Rapids, Kent County, Michigan, 49503, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Social Worker - 1.0 FTE job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Forest Hills Public Schools has listed this Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role?expand_more
Candidates for Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools should have mid level.
What skills do you need for the Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role at Forest Hills Public Schools?expand_more
Key skills for Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools include Social Work; Diagnostic Evaluations; Iep; Idea; Marse; Ferpa; Functional Behavior Assessments; and Positive Behavior Support Plans.
What education is required for Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree in social work required.
What category does the Social Worker - 1.0 FTE role belong to?expand_more
Social Worker - 1.0 FTE at Forest Hills Public Schools is part of the social work job category on Recrutus.
About Forest Hills Public Schools
Forest Hills Public Schools operates an education administration program based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, consistently recognized as the top school district in the area by Niche. The district serves a community of over 9,000 students while maintaining a student-to-teacher ratio of 25:1 or lower to ensure manageable class sizes. This structure is designed to foster a connected environment where moderately-sized schools allow for closer relationships between staff and learners.
The district's board of education guides all decisions with a primary focus on what benefits students most. Staff members are dedicated to identifying individual interests and gifts, providing educational opportunities that maximize preparation for future endeavors. The administration emphasizes high academic standards alongside multiple pathways to success, aiming to unlock the potential of every learner.
With quality facilities and a dedicated team, Forest Hills Public Schools prepares students for life in an evolving world. The organization commits to helping all learners achieve their individual potential within a supportive community setting, combining individualized attention with a clear vision for the future of education in Grand Rapids.
Browse more roles: All Forest Hills Public Schools jobs, social work jobs on Recrutus.