11.2025 - Classified Exempt - School Social Worker

Kearney Public Schools is accepting applications for a School Social Worker starting the 2026-2027 school year.  

Must have a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW).  LMHP Licensure Required or other qualifications.

Competitive Salary

40 hours per week, 185 days per year (.7115 FTE)

Benefits: 

• BCBS Insurance, LTD, Sick Leave, 6 Personal Days, Bereavement, NPERS Retirement
• Additional optional benefits available upon request

QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Education: Master’s degree in social work from program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
2. Current Licensure as a certified social worker or certified master social worker from Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services or from another state is preferred
3. National Credential or certification as a school social work specialist by an independent professional organization if the person does not have state certification
4. Fluency in English and Spanish is desirable
5. Two years of social work experience or teaching experience in an elementary school is preferred

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  (Include, but are not limited to)   

1. Works together with student, parents, school personnel, community agencies and others to help make school a successful and relevant experience for students.
2. Assists parents and families, providing individualized and group opportunities as necessary, to help them understand factors which contribute to school performance problems, e.g. poor attendance, socioeconomic difficulties, behavioral difficulties, lack of positive peer experiences, court/legal involvement, and health/medical/nutritional concerns; and develop strategies to address those factors.
3. Assist in the reporting and documentation regarding possible child abuse/neglect cases.
4. Provides guidance, support and consultation to school staff (regarding students experiencing difficulties), through individual collaboration and professional development, to work more effectively with students.
5. Serves as a member of the school problem-solving team; assists with and participates in the process of conducting student functional assessments and in developing student behavioral plans, as requested.
6. Provides mental health services, education and expertise to best serve the social emotional needs of student.
7. Advocate for an understanding of students' perspectives, behaviors and values in the context of their family and peers.
8. Provides supportive counseling on a short-term basis with parents/families who have a student experiencing difficulty in school or who requested assistance regarding a family concern.
9. Works with community agencies to develop a mutual understanding of the needs of the school, student and family; and assists students/families in accessing community resources.
10. Provides assistance with crisis intervention services for students and school staff in the case of a sudden death, suicide, or other significant traumatic event, as requested.
11. Demonstrates regular attendance and flexibility of scheduling to meet the needs of students and their families.
12. Organize, plan and prioritize daily work, developing specific goals and steps to accomplish these goals.
13. Prepares and maintains appropriate records regarding delivery of services for use in reporting requirements of the district or other governing body.
14. Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:             Never       Occasional        Frequent      Constant

                                                                 0%             1-32%              33-66%           67%                              

1. Standing                                                                                        X
2. Walking                                                                                          X
3. Sitting                                                                                            X
4. Bending/Stooping                                                                          X
5. Reaching/Pushing/Pulling                                      X
6. Climbing                                                                 X
7. Driving                                                                   X
8. Lifting       lbs. Max                                                 X                                                                              
9. Carrying     Ft.                                                        X                                                                              
10. Manual Dexterity Tasks:   Sedentary      Light         Medium      Heavy    Very Heavy

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:  (Intellectual, Sensory)

1. Accepts responsibility and handles stress appropriately and professionally.
2. Respects confidential information appropriately.
3. Works well with children and adults.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION 

The Kearney Public School District hereby gives this statement of compliance and intends to comply with all state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination.  This school district intends to take any necessary measures to assure compliance with such laws against any prohibited form of discrimination.

The Kearney Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Title IX, Title II, Title VI & Section 504 –

Melissa Herrmann, Director of human Resources

Kearney Public Schools

320 West 24th Street

Kearney, NE  68845

308-698-8011

melherrmann@kearneycats.com