School Social Worker
Portage Public Schools District
2025-26 School Year - Per PEA Contract
Job Summary: This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive social-emotional assessments as part of the special education evaluation process and providing support services to enhance the academic, social, and emotional success of students with IEPs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conducts special education evaluations including social-emotional assessments and developmental histories for students being evaluated for potential certification in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Emotional Impairment.
- Supports the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP) with team members for students with IEPs.
- Compiles records and prepares reports as required.
- Consults with IEP team members to enhance the social-emotional development of students with IEPs.
- Supports staff members to modify patterns of behavior of students with IEPs.
- Provides specialized intervention with students based on services indicated on the IEP.
- Regularly contacts parents and staff members.
- Collaborates with Integrated Supports of Kalamazoo School Liaison and medical professionals when necessary.
- Demonstrates ability to deal with confidential and sensitive information in a professional manner in accordance with FERPA rules.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Regular and consistent attendance.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the policies and procedures contained in the Portage Public Schools Employee Handbook.
Desired Characteristics:
- Regularly demonstrates strong, effective leadership skills in group settings.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Organizes, maintains, and reports data and information related to health and social services.
- Has a comprehensive knowledge to consistently implement best practices in special education in accordance with state and federal rules.
- Physical and emotional ability and dexterity to perform required work and move about as needed in a fast-paced, high-intensive work environment.
- Adheres to rules and regulations of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and school board policy.
The above duties and responsibilities are intended to be representative of the nature of the work by this position. The listing is not all-inclusive.
Qualifications:
- MDE school social worker certification required.
- Master’s degree in school social work from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
- Three years of experience as a school social worker is preferred.
- Valid Michigan driver’s license. Provide own or have access to appropriate transportation to meet requirements.
- Certification in appropriate practices and procedures for nonviolent crisis intervention.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
PPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Apply online at: https://www.portageps.org/page/employment-at-pps
Who is PPS? View our Strategic Commitments
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following positions at Portage Public Schools have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Human Resources Director Brad Galin and Human Resources Manager Jennifer Tuyls. Contact information: 269-323-5000, 8107 Mustang Drive, Portage, Mi 49002
