POSITION: Network School Social Worker

GRADE LEVEL: Middle and High School

LOCATION: Based in Denver, CO with travel to 16 schools across Denver and Aurora

SALARY: $72,500-$88,400 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver! 

STATUS: Full time, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)

START: Immediate. You can view the current School Year Calendar here. 

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Our Lead Network School Social Worker will provide social services and assistance to improve the social and emotional functioning of students and their families in order to maximize academic functioning and achievement.  Additionally, our Network School Social Workers:

• Develop social work team members on a weekly basis to ensure they feel supported and successful in their direct services with students, families, and school staff 

• Implement systems and structures and ensure fidelity of use 

• Collect progress monitoring data and conduct analysis to improve efficacy and efficiency of use of systems and structures as well as direct services 

• Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty

• Counsel students, parents (in groups and individually) and consults with staff in the development of appropriate behavior goals

• Participate in crisis management by implementing protocols, providing counseling and/or making referrals

• Respond to referrals and or reported cases from teachers, administrators, other school personnel, parents, students, self, and community agencies such as the Department of Human Services

Essential Functions:  

• Fill vacancies for schools who do not have a social worker hired or a social worker is out on leave 

• Complete all duties for a school with vacancies prioritizing IEP & 504 services 

• Support the development of social team members on a weekly basis to ensure they feel supported and successful in their direct services with students, families, and school staff 

• Implement systems and structures and ensure fidelity of use so IEP & 504s are in compliance and effectively supporting students 

• Collect progress monitoring data and conduct analysis to improve efficacy and efficiency of use of systems and structures as well as direct services 

• Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty

• Counsel students, parents (in groups and individually) and consults with staff in the development of appropriate behavior goals

• Participate in crisis management by implementing protocols, providing counseling and/or making referrals

• Respond to referrals and or reported cases from teachers, administrators, other school personnel, parents, students, self, and community agencies such as the Department of Human Services

Team Participation

• Support of social workers to support hard to engage students and families 

• Participate in DSST School Attendance Team Meetings 

• Coordinate and collaborate with DSST school culture leads and mental health providers 

Professional Development

• Engage in the staff learning and growth cycle of feedback at DSST, including peer surveys, supervisor surveys, family surveys, and ongoing coaching and development cycles

• Engage in regular professional development as part of a mental health team to improve services.

• Participate in school-based professional development

• Participate in Denver Public Schools trainings as needed

Additional duties as assigned such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, having duties,  etc. See many of our possible duties here.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• All candidates must have a Masters in Social Work or currently be enrolled in a MSW program. You can read more about requirements for Mental Health Providers at DSST here. 

• An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives

• Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator

• Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Speaks Spanish

• Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches

• Has experience working with English Learners

• Demonstrated success working with students of color and students with varied abilities

• 3+ years of experience as a school social worker

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at [email protected]. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.