School Social Worker

Boulder Preparatory High School is seeking an experienced, relationship-centered Social Worker to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year.

For nearly 30 years, Boulder Prep has served students who often have not found success in traditional school settings. Approximately 90% of our students are identified as high-risk, many experiencing significant mental health challenges, trauma, family instability, school avoidance, or previous disengagement from education. We believe that safety, belonging, and meaningful relationships are prerequisites for learning.

Our students are resilient, creative, and capable. They deserve adults who see their strengths, believe in their potential, and are committed to walking alongside them on their path to graduation and adulthood.

About Boulder Prep

Boulder Prep is a small alternative charter high school serving approximately 100–150 students with an 8:1 student-to-staff ratio. Our innovative year-round model features four-week learning cycles, individualized instruction, career exploration, life skills programming, and a strong focus on persistence to graduation. Students consistently describe Boulder Prep as a family where they feel known, valued, and supported.

Position Overview

Funded through Colorado's School Behavioral Health Grant, this new position will play a critical role in expanding mental health services and removing barriers to student success.

The School Social Worker will provide direct counseling services, facilitate support groups, coordinate community resources, assist with crisis intervention, support attendance improvement efforts, and collaborate closely with families, staff, and community partners.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a highly collaborative environment where relationships come first and where every staff member contributes to helping students thrive.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual counseling and case management services
• Facilitate small groups focused on topics such as:
• Trauma recovery
• Anxiety and depression
• Grief and loss
• Executive functioning
• Substance use prevention and recovery
• Emotional regulation and coping skills
• Participate in multidisciplinary student support meetings
• Support crisis response, safety planning, and risk assessment
• Coordinate referrals to community mental health providers and support agencies
• Partner with families to address barriers impacting attendance and engagement
• Collaborate with staff to implement effective behavioral and social-emotional supports
• Support transitions for students returning from inpatient, residential, or intensive outpatient treatment programs
• Assist with attendance intervention efforts designed to improve student engagement and graduation outcomes
• Maintain appropriate documentation and compliance with state and federal requirements

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Colorado Department of Education Special Services Provider License (or eligibility)
• Spanish Fluency
• Experience working with adolescents

Preferred:

• School-based experience
• Clinical licensure (LCSW) or working toward licensure
• Experience with trauma-informed practices
• Familiarity with CBT, DBT, restorative practices, and strengths-based interventions
• Experience supporting high-risk or alternative education populations

Why Boulder Prep?

• Small caseloads and meaningful relationships
• Exceptional staff culture with 95% staff retention
• Weekly collaboration and problem-solving with a supportive multidisciplinary team
• Opportunity to help shape and build a growing mental health program
• Flexible, innovative school model
• Mission-driven work that changes lives

At Boulder Prep, success is not simply measured by grades or test scores. Success is helping a student believe that graduation is possible, reconnect with school, develop resilience, and build a meaningful future.

If you are passionate about supporting adolescents through some of the most challenging moments of their lives while helping them discover hope, confidence, and belonging, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation and Benefits:

Start date to be determined. School is in session year-round with approximately 12 paid weeks of vacation. Contract is for 186 Days. Salary range $55,000-$65,000 based on the published salary schedule. Benefits include: health, dental, LTD, 125 pre-tax, life insurance, PERA retirement, Eco Pass, Employee Assistance Program, and monthly self-care stipend.

To Apply: You can either apply through Indeed or directly by submitting a resume and cover letter to Lili Adeli, Headmaster at LiliAdeli@BoulderPrep.org.

Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you live in Colorado?

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Social Work License (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000