Social Worker - Special Education 2025-2026

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

This is a Social Worker position that supports Special Education students within emotional disability programs.  The Social Worker will lead students toward the fulfillment of their potential by translating the district curriculum standards and objectives into meaningful learning experiences through classroom instruction and indirectly through special area assignments. The Social Worker is responsible for maintaining a positive and appropriate educational environment and creating a program that meets the intellectual and emotional needs of all students.

Candidates must complete an on-line application which requires appropriate Arizona certification, valid IVP Arizona fingerprint clearance card, evidence of highly qualified status, three letters of recommendation, and transcript of credits.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Considers the individual learning needs and abilities of students, as well as school and district learning goals, in preparation and utilization of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessment documents
• Utilizes district-adopted textbooks and curriculum guides in instructional planning and implementation
• Incorporates higher level thinking strategies and real-life applications into lesson planning
• Creates instructional and assessment materials that align with learning objectives and method of instruction
• Uses available technology or instructional media to enhance the students’ learning experiences
• Continuously and accurately collects student achievement data using a variety of tools (e.g., tests, projects, demonstrations, checklists). Utilizes this information to make instructional and management decisions that will positively impact student achievement
• Establishes, supports and administers positive classroom management in accordance with regulations
• Establishes positive and appropriate relationships with students and maintains open lines of communication with students and parents concerning academic and behavioral progress
• Works with parents and school personnel representatives to provide an appropriate education for each student
• Produces, utilizes and maintains student records that relate to student achievement, attendance and discipline
• Provides a positive and safe environment that is conducive to learning
• Takes an active role in establishing and supporting school goals and resolving school concerns
• Adheres to established federal and state laws, board policies and regulations, and district procedures; supports the mission statement of the district and school.
• Adheres to the Statement of Awareness/Understanding adopted by the MUSD Governing Board, and complies with the Meet and Confer Agreement
• Communicates an expectation of success for all students
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools 

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field
• Master’s degree in social work
• Valid Arizona Teaching Certificate

Experience:

• 5 years of successful teaching
• Supervised fieldwork in school settings or with children and families
• Attendance at workshops, conferences, or training sessions focused on school social work issues, such as trauma-informed care, diversity and inclusion, and crisis intervention

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Demonstrates knowledge of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resource materials
• Utilizes a variety of effective instructional and management techniques
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and effective professional relationships with teachers, administrators, parents, students
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with parents and school personnel at all levels
• Accepts supervision and direction of the site administrator
• Appropriately communicates and interacts with other staff in academic planning and school committee work
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and extra-curricular/school-related activities and committees
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous professional growth
• Maintains a professional appearance and demonstrates behavior that is conscientious and responsible
• Does not engage in discriminatory practices on any basis, including race, origin, gender, socio-economic status, disability, religion or political beliefs 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• Designated office within the school but may travel between multiple schools or sites within a district
• May occasionally work outside regular school hours to meet with families or attend community events
• Face high levels of interaction and variability each day
• Handle challenging situations, including trauma, mental health crises, and family conflicts
• Must balance emotional demands with administrative tasks, such as writing reports and maintaining case records
• Primarily sedentary work: Spending time sitting at a desk or computer for documentation and communication
• Light physical activity: Walking through school campuses, climbing stairs, or moving between locations

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $65 - $1,000