The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
500 South Hamilton Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48602
Salary: $50,000 - $72,000 annually
Position Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate School Social Worker to join its founding team for the Fall 2026 school opening.
The School Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting students, families, and staff by addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that impact student success. This position serves as a bridge between the school, home, and community, helping students access the resources and support needed to reach their full academic, social, and emotional potential.
The successful candidate will bring expertise in student advocacy, family engagement, crisis intervention, special education support, and community resource coordination while contributing to GATA's mission of creating an engaging, supportive, and inclusive educational environment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Services
- Conduct assessments to identify student social, emotional, behavioral, and academic support needs.
- Promote regular school attendance and address barriers to student participation.
- Conduct home visits as appropriate.
- Provide individual and group counseling services.
- Facilitate programs focused on:
- Self-esteem development
- Anger management
- Impulse control
- Social skills development
- Substance abuse prevention
- Provide crisis intervention services and support.
- Complete social developmental histories and case studies.
- Assist in the evaluation process for special education services.
- Participate in the development of:
- Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs)
- Supportive Intervention Plans (SIPs)
- Behavioral support strategies
- Provide short-term and long-term case management services.
- Coordinate referrals to community agencies and support services.
- Assist with transition planning for students.
- Coordinate dropout prevention and student support initiatives.
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect in accordance with legal requirements.
- Advocate for students and promote equitable educational opportunities.
Family and Community Engagement
- Promote positive parent and family involvement in the educational process.
- Conduct family needs assessments and home visits.
- Assist families in accessing school and community resources.
- Provide referrals to community support agencies.
- Facilitate parent support groups and educational workshops.
- Support families experiencing homelessness or other significant challenges.
- Assist families in understanding school policies, procedures, and available services.
- Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community organizations.
- Participate in court-related case management and support services when appropriate.
Special Education and Student Support Services
- Collaborate with special education staff and multidisciplinary teams.
- Participate in special education evaluations and planning meetings.
- Assist in identifying and addressing barriers to student achievement.
- Support compliance with special education requirements and best practices.
- Coordinate services with internal and external support providers.
- Promote inclusive educational practices and student success.
School and Community Collaboration
- Participate in school-based teams, committees, and intervention planning.
- Collaborate with educators, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and other support professionals.
- Coordinate services with community agencies and external providers.
- Assist in developing programs that support student wellness and academic success.
- Serve on school crisis response teams and safety planning committees.
- Participate in community partnerships and interagency collaborations.
Program Planning and Evaluation
- Conduct needs assessments to identify student and community needs.
- Assist in developing and implementing intervention programs targeting at-risk student populations.
- Support initiatives that promote a positive school climate and culture.
- Collaborate with community agencies to enhance available student services.
- Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on data and outcomes.
Advocacy and Professional Practice
- Advocate for student and family access to educational opportunities and support services.
- Promote social justice, equity, and inclusion within the school community.
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws governing student services.
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in accordance with professional guidelines.
- Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and professional standards.
Professional Development and Case Management
- Maintain accurate, timely, and legally compliant case records and documentation.
- Manage caseloads effectively while prioritizing student needs.
- Stay informed regarding current research, best practices, laws, and regulations affecting school social work.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and continuing education activities.
- Support the development of future professionals through mentorship and supervision opportunities when appropriate.
Qualifications
- Master's Degree in Social Work required.
- Valid Michigan Social Worker License required.
- Michigan Department of Education Full Approval as a School Social Worker required.
- Minimum of three (3) years of successful social work experience.
- Current knowledge of best practices in school social work.
- Prior special education experience preferred.
- Approval through the Office of Special Education required.
- Strong assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, and case management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community agencies.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Additional Requirements
- Successful completion of a criminal background check.
Benefits
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
About The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA)
The Gaming and Technology Academy of Saginaw (GATA) is a new educational institution opening in Fall 2026 that combines academic excellence with technology, creativity, competition, and real-world learning experiences. Through innovative instructional methods, gamified learning systems, and strong student relationships, GATA seeks to prepare students for success in an evolving technological world.
GATA's educational model emphasizes student engagement, mastery learning, technology integration, and hands-on experiences that prepare students for future academic and career success. As a founding team member, the School Social Worker will help establish a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers students and families to thrive.
