Waseca Area Learning Center
Position: School Social Worker
Reports To: ALC Principal

Job Summary

The School Social Worker contributes to a comprehensive school social work program addressing students' academic, career, and personal/social development. This role is designed to meet the unique needs of an Area Learning Center (ALC) population by removing barriers to learning, supporting mental health, and fostering student engagement. The social worker provides programming and direct services, including, but not limited to, conflict resolution, coping and refusal skills, character education, diversity awareness, and study skills.

Essential Functions

Student Support & Intervention

• Provide individual and small group counseling based on student needs
• Conduct risk assessments and provide crisis intervention as needed
• Develop and implement individualized student support plans
• Support students experiencing challenges such as substance use, trauma, or housing instability

Family & Community Engagement

• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to support student success
• Connect students and families with school and community resources
• Facilitate family meetings and maintain ongoing communication with caregivers
• Encourage parent and community involvement

Collaboration & School Support

• Work collaboratively with school staff and community partners
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams (IEP/504, Student Support Teams, restorative practices)
• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships
• Support staff with strategies for student engagement and behavior

Attendance & Engagement

• Lead the ALC attendance review process
• Develop strategies to re-engage students who are chronically absent or disengaged
• Address barriers impacting attendance and academic progress

Programming & Instructional Support

• Coordinate and deliver social and emotional learning (SEL) programming
• Plan and present lessons or workshops to small and large groups
• Coordinate advanced academic testing programs (AP, ACT, ASVAB)

School Climate & Supervision

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment
• Assist with supervision during non-academic times and activities
• Facilitate restorative practices and conflict resolution

Communication & Professionalism

• Communicate effectively with students, families, staff, and community partners
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practices, and confidentiality
• Manage a high-volume workload and prioritize tasks effectively

Other Functions

• Work effectively with students from diverse cultural, economic, and ability backgrounds
• Participate in professional development and school activities
• Support extracurricular and student engagement activities as directed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, families, and staff
• Strong communication skills (oral and written)
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, adolescent development, and restorative approaches
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
• Minnesota certification as a School Social Worker or School Counselor, or the ability to obtain Tier 2 licensure

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Stand for extended periods (up to one hour)
• Stoop, bend, reach, and grasp objects
• Demonstrate fine motor skills and manual dexterity
• Ability to see, hear, and communicate effectively
• Work in a typical school environment with minimal physical discomforts

Application Procedures

Please include three letters of recommendation addressed to Mandi Nohner with your online application.

For questions, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (507) 833-0779