School Social Worker

The Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) is an arts focused, independent community school in Columbus that serves a diverse population of students in grades 7 through 12 from over 25 different districts in central Ohio. ACPA is in its twenty third year of operation and has consistently been one of the highest performing charter schools in Ohio.

ACPA is seeking qualified candidates for a Social Worker position for the 2025-2026 school year. The School Social Worker will be highly collaborative with the Director of Student Services, Principals, and other members of the support team and high school team as a whole.

The Social Worker will also be expected to reflect the mission, vision and ACPA values of kindness, respect for diversity, honesty, problem solving, communication, participation and awareness in all interactions with school stakeholders – including students, staff, parents and community partners.

Responsibilities:

School social workers are responsible for providing appropriate services within their professional scope of practice across Tiers 1, 2, and 3 as outlined in the school social work multi-tier system of supports (MTSS). These include, but are not limited to, the duties outlined below.

Tier 1: Interventions Provided for all Students & Staff

• Teach and model ACPA Values
• Encourage and engage in strengths-based communication with peers
• Universal screening programs, including Signs of Suicide (SOS)
• Develop and deliver professional development and other trainings for staff
• Support overall school, student, and staff wellbeing
• Collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify school-wide needs
• Develop and implement PBIS strategies
• Act as liaison to develop connections with community resources

Tier 2: Community Needs Assessment

• Administer periodic school-wide and/or targeted needs assessments
• Form and/or run small groups based on needs assessment (e.g. peer group, interpersonal conflict, peers impacted by violence, body neutrality, disordered eating patterns, etc.)
• Develop and/or administer push-in classroom lessons for mental health and wellbeing support, as requested
• Promote and advocate for a safe, inclusive school culture for all staff and students
• Coordinate support for students, staff, and families following traumatic events
• Help plan and coordinate seasonal resource collection drives

Tier 3: One-on-One Interventions

• Crisis intervention
• Administration of various assessments, as appropriate, including suicide ideaton, self harm, homicide ideation, and sexual assault and school threats
• Provide ongoing student counseling
• Connect identified students with appropriate agency referrals
• Bridge the gap between families and community resources by assisting families with locating community resources for food, shelter, health care, etc.
• Making referrals to therapy providers for students and families, as appropriate
• Distribute ACPA-provided hygiene bags and other tangible resources
• Attend and participate in special education meetings, as appropriate
• Collaborate with School Attendance Coordinator to develop strategies for chronic absence intervention
• Collaborate with Dean’s Office to coordinate behavioral interventions for referred students

Additional Considerations

• During assigned duties, School Social Workers are expected to actively supervise students to ensure the emotional, mental and physical safety of students under their supervision.
• School Social Workers are expected to be present in the building and reasonably available to meet with students, parents, other staff members and/or administration.
• School social workers are to responsibly engage technology in their practice. As appropriate, they are also encouraged to maintain electronic databases of community resources for use in their practice.
• School Social Workers are expected to play a significant role in student support, working with the administration to help improve student engagement, attitudes and behavior. Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• School Social Workers are expected to meet licensure renewal requirements, including engaging in relevant professional development and participation in required mentor programs when applicable.
• School Social Workers are required to attend and participate in scheduled professional development in-service days, and scheduled after school all staff and committee meetings. After school meetings will end, at the latest, by 5:15 pm.
• School Social Workers are expected to adhere to the Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators and all pertinent Ohio Revised Code.

Qualifications

Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Social Work & valid Ohio LSW license; experience or desire to work in an arts focused and progressive school environment.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience & education based on salary schedule
• Annual 4% percent salary raises
• Additional bonuses and stipends available
• Benefits Package includes 100% Employer Paid Medical, Dental,Vision, & Life Insurance
• Free access to Matrix Psychological Services
• Participation in STRS/SERS Retirement Account