School Social Worker

The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan's education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning, and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

We are currently seeking a School Social Worker at KRESA Transition Services in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

• Align services with KRESA Core Values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity) and Culture & Belonging principles to engage and serve all students
• Completes intakes, social histories and other required written reports and evaluation for PET, Early On, SEI and/or other special education students
• Writes IFSPs for birth to 3-year-old children (Early On Program)
• Schedules and attends IEP meetings
• Conducts home visits for evaluations and consultations with parents
• Counsels students whose behavior, school progress, cognitive or physical impairments or conditions indicate need for assistance
• Consults with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems and effect solutions
• Arranges for medical, psychiatric, and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures
• Attempts to alter attitudes and behavior of parents and teachers that cause or aggravate problems
• Recommends change of class or school, special tutoring, or other treatment to effect remedy
• Serves as liaison between student, home, school, and community resources such as family service agencies, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, and doctors
• Serves as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations who are not referred for direct service
• Leads group counseling sessions to enhance social development of individual members and provide peer support in areas such as grief, stress, or chemical dependency
• Regular and consistent attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Qualified candidates will have a Master of Social Work Degree (MSW) with some related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid Michigan School Social Worker Certificate or a SSW-310 and the ability to obtain a temporary approval for school social work.

Other skills and abilities include:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to our core values (Collaboration, Innovation, Compassion, Respect, and Integrity), Culture & Belonging, and Continuous Improvement
• Embraces and supports KRESA's vision of a transformative, equitable and innovative education for all in the Greater Kalamazoo region
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of identities and lived experiences
• Ability to discuss differences with colleagues and clients in a manner that supports building positive working relationships
• Effectively present information in front of groups and engage in audience
• Ability to communicate effectively including listening
• Keep administrator abreast of activity
• Works in a team-oriented fashion
• Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret data
• Ability to write reports and correspondence
• Maintains confidentiality
• Displays willingness to support and make decisions with sound judgment in timely manner
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment
• Uses equipment and materials properly
• Practices safe work habits

This is a 11 month calendar position in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $53,588 and $113,115.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan's Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the Best Places to Live roundup by Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. Contact information: , 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.