Job Description
Job DescriptionMinimum 1+ years social worker experience required.
School-Based Social Worker (PK12) - Avoca, IA
Location: Avoca, Iowa Green Hills Area Education Agency (AEA)
Position Type: Full-Time, 40 hours/week
Work Setting: Onsite Only
Service Population: PreK12th Grade
General Summary:
Green Hills Area Education Agency is seeking a dedicated, qualified, and student-centered School Social Worker to join our multidisciplinary mental health services team. This is a school-based, full-time position providing onsite mental health counseling and social work services to students across three rural school districts in southwest Iowa: Lenox, CAM, and AHSTW.
The ideal candidate is passionate about youth mental health, has strong clinical and advocacy skills, and is committed to collaborative school-based intervention. You will typically work with 68 students per day, addressing barriers to learning and promoting overall student well-being through direct service, consultation, and coordination with school and community stakeholders.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
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Deliver individual and group counseling services to students with social-emotional, behavioral, or mental health concerns.
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Conduct needs assessments and social developmental histories to support eligibility decisions and intervention planning.
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Identify students at risk of school failure or disengagement due to academic, behavioral, social, emotional, or environmental factors.
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Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation support, and short-term response planning in collaboration with school teams.
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Consult with teachers, administrators, school psychologists, and AEA professionals to address classroom or systemic concerns.
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Partner with parents/guardians and community providers to coordinate support services and maintain a strong home-school connection.
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Implement and model evidence-based behavioral interventions, classroom strategies, and positive support practices.
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Conduct and interpret screenings and assessments, contributing to multi-disciplinary evaluations (MTSS, IEPs, 504 Plans).
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Make referrals to community mental health agencies, DHS, medical professionals, or other relevant providers when appropriate.
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Assist students and families in navigating resources related to food insecurity, housing instability, transportation, or healthcare.
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Provide professional development and consultation to school staff on trauma-informed practices, SEL, and mental health topics.
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Monitor student progress and document services using appropriate data management systems and clinical documentation protocols.
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Facilitate collaborative partnerships between schools, families, and agencies to ensure continuity of care and student success.
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Actively participate in team meetings, staffing reviews, IEP meetings, and student support planning.
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Stay current on research, trends, and best practices in school social work and childrens mental health.
Required Qualifications:
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Masters Degree (MSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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Valid Iowa license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or reciprocal licensure from another state as accepted by Iowa licensure standards.
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Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) or School Social Work Endorsement issued by the Iowa Department of Education.
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At least 12 years of experience in school settings or child/adolescent mental health services preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
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Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, family systems, and educational equity.
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Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
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Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in educational and clinical environments.
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Proficiency in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans and school-based support strategies.
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Capable of maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries per FERPA, HIPAA, and NASW standards.
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Culturally responsive and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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Knowledge of community resources and the ability to connect families to relevant services.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
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Regular and punctual attendance is essential.
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Travel required between assigned schools; mileage reimbursement available per agency policy.
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Able to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout school environments including classrooms, offices, and playgrounds.
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Requires fine motor coordination for keyboarding, note-taking, and documentation.
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May occasionally involve higher-than-average physical activity levels during crisis response or home visits.
APPLY TODAY
For the fastest consideration send your resume to Zaria Fluellen at zaria.fluellen@procaretherapy.com. Include in the subject line the position and the location.
ProCare Therapy: Creating Brighter Futures for Students and School Professionals
Zaria Fluellen
Account Executive
zaria.fluellen@procaretherapy.com
(470)-264-2605