School Social Worker

.Location: Ionia, Michigan

Assignment Dates: November 16, 2026 – June 10, 2027
Hours: To Be Determined
Caseload: Approximately 35–40 students
Position Type: Contract / School-Based Assignment

Make a Difference in Students' Lives!

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate School Social Worker (SSW) to support students across school locations in Ionia and Lakewood, Michigan. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping students overcome social, emotional, and behavioral challenges while supporting their academic success.

The School Social Worker will provide diagnostic, counseling, and supportive services in accordance with Michigan Special Education Rules. This position will collaborate closely with students, families, teachers, school administrators, and community agencies to promote positive student outcomes.

The assignment will serve approximately 35–40 students across multiple school buildings, including two schools in Lakewood and school locations in Ionia.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide diagnostic, counseling, and supportive services to students in accordance with Michigan Special Education Rules.
• Deliver individual and group therapy services to address students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Consult with classroom teachers and school staff regarding student social-emotional development and behavior management strategies.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).
• Develop and implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Participate in special education evaluations and related processes.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary school teams to support students' educational, behavioral, and emotional development.
• Work with parents, families, and community agencies to coordinate appropriate student support services.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and comply with applicable school and special education requirements.

Qualifications & Licensing Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW).
• Full or temporary approval by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) as a School Social Worker.
• Valid Limited Master Social Worker (LLMSW) or Master Social Worker (LMSW) license issued by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
• Previous school-based experience.
• Experience providing individual and group therapy.
• Experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and participating in special education evaluations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Michigan School Social Worker (SSW) credential.
• Michigan Rule 310 approval.
• Knowledge of child development, school curriculum, and community-based resources and agencies.

Skills & Professional Qualities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
• The ability to establish positive, supportive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and community partners.
• Experience consulting with classroom staff and providing behavioral support recommendations.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary educational team.
• A compassionate, student-centered approach to addressing social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Important Employment Requirements

Candidates must meet all Michigan licensing and school-based credentialing requirements.

Applicants must hold a valid LLMSW or LMSW license issued by LARA and meet MDE School Social Worker approval requirements.

Candidates must also be eligible to work in a school setting and successfully meet all applicable district background screening and credential verification requirements.

Candidates who do not have the required Michigan licensure, MDE approval, or prior school-based experience will not be considered.