Social Worker

Company Description

About KIPP Kansas City Public Schools:

KIPP Kansas City Public Schools is part of a nationwide network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in college and life. Our strength as a region serves as a catalyst for empowerment, change, and hope.

Founded in 2007, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools began with KIPP Endeavor Academy, serving approximately 31 fifth-grade students. Today, we educate approximately 1,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade, with our community continuing to expand. Together with families and communities, we strive to create joyful, academically excellent schools that equip students with the skills and confidence to pursue their chosen paths—whether college, career, or beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to a more just world.

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Social Worker at KIPP Kansas City plays a critical role in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students. This position is designed to address the mental health needs of students, provide crisis intervention, and collaborate with families and the school community to ensure a supportive learning environment. The Social Worker will work closely with educators and other staff members to implement strategies that promote positive student outcomes and enhance overall school culture.

Key Responsibilities: 

Student Support Services:

• Conduct assessments and develop individualized support plans for students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Provide individual and group counseling services to students to address mental health concerns, trauma, and personal issues impacting their academic performance.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and adjust support plans as needed.
• Develops and executes needs assessments in the first month of school year
• Uses a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of KIPPsters and their families
• Provides services to students in one-on-one and small group counseling sessions
• Collaborates with school team to determine the services needed for each student, based on their IEP goals and requirements, their personal goals, and other school-based goals for their learning and development
• Use knowledge and understanding of how the home, school, and community influence one another to intervene for KIPPster success through such practices as assessment, crisis intervention, home visits, conflict resolution, individual and group counseling, consultation, program development, dropout prevention, college counseling and graduation awareness

Collaboration and Advocacy:

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other staff to develop and implement strategies that support students' academic success and well-being.
• Act as a liaison between the school, families, and external agencies to coordinate services and resources for students and their families.
• Build strong relationships with students, families, and community organizations to foster a supportive network around students.
• Promote family support of KIPPsters learning experience within the context of multicultural understanding and competencies
• Develops and provides training programs that address school goals and mission.

Crisis Intervention:

• Engage in individual and school safety implementation, including prevention, assessment/intervention for KIPPsters at-risk of harm to self or others, child abuse reporting and crisis response
• Provide crisis intervention and support during critical incidents to ensure student safety and well-being.
• Facilitate workshops and training sessions for staff, parents, and students on mental health awareness, coping strategies, and social-emotional learning.
• Advocate for students' needs and ensure that they have access to necessary resources and services.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (required) or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Social Work (preferred).
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in a school-based or clinical social work setting.
• At least 2 years of teaching experience (highly preferred but not required)
• Valid social work license in the state of Missouri (required).

Skills and Competencies:

• Commitment to KIPP KC’s mission and values
• Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse environment
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Fosters an inclusive environment for students, staff, and families
• Works effectively with colleagues and stakeholders
• Builds strong relationships within the KIPP KC community

Physical Requirements: 

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. 
• The person in this position needs to be able to move about inside and outside the school or office throughout the workday.
• The candidate is expected to attend conferences, meetings and training sessions both virtually and in person within the Region.

Additional Information

Work Environment

• Reports to work Monday-Friday and some weekends. 
• A typical school or office environment with frequent interruptions.

Travel Requirements:

• Ability to travel to work location. 

Compensation and Benefits:

Salary is based on years of experience, educational background, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Kansas City employee, you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Kansas City benefit plans. We offer a comprehensive range of benefits with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, as well as life insurance, fertility, and disability plans.

KIPP Kansas City is committed to the professional growth and development of our staff. We provide numerous opportunities for advancement, ongoing professional development, and leadership training to help you achieve your career goals.

KIPP Kansas City provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.