School Social Worker (2026-2027)

Green Hills AEA is recruiting for an anticipated School Social Worker for the 2026-2027 year. This position is a full time position for a 190 day contract.

Applicant must be eligible for Iowa licensing through the Board of Educational Examiners. 

Green Hills AEA employs employees across the southwest region of the state, serving all public and non-public schools in our service area.

Starting salary will be between $55,924 - 86,358 and increased for each year of experience in an educational setting for all others, for a 190 day contract. Additional paid professional development days are available. We offer a competitive starting wage and excellent benefits, including IPERS. Green Hills pays 100% of employee single coverage for medical, dental and vision. We also offer family insurance at a great rate. See our website for additional information about Green Hills AEA, www.ghaea.org.

The School Social Worker, in partnership with educators, families and communities, integrates consultative, coaching, and collaborative services within educational systems. School social workers enhance the educational programs of students by assisting in the identification and assessment of individuals’ educational needs including, but not limited to, social, emotional, behavioral and adaptive needs; provide intervention supports and services for individuals and groups of students and serve as a liaison among home, school and community.

Working within the agency's educational framework, the school social worker fosters positive learning environments, ensures compliance with state and federal guidelines, and enhances the overall success of learners B-21.

Qualifications

1. Education: 
• Master’s degree in Social Work or School Social Work from an accredited program.
2. Licensure:
• Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners B-21 School Social Worker Endorsement (Initial or Full Professional Service License), OR
• Iowa Department of Public Health License: Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Iowa Bureau of Educational Examiners Statement of Professional Recognition.

Essential Functions (current bullets)

1. Consultation, Collaboration, and Coaching:
• Act as a liaison among the agency, local schools, families, and community organizations to support learners’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
• Collaborate, consult, and coach educators in Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
• Provide consultation and coaching to general and special education teachers on instructional strategies and behavior management.

• Assessment and Intervention

• Facilitate the implementation of the Child Find and reevaluation processes, including evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services.
• Assist in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) aligned with state and federal requirements.
1. Instructional Support 
• Support teachers in adapting curriculum and instructional methods to meet the needs of learners with disabilities.
• Model and coach evidence-based instructional strategies, including co-teaching and differentiated instruction.
• Assist schools in using data to make informed decisions about instructional practices.
2. Compliance and Documentation
• Ensure documentation and record-keeping are accurate and compliant with agency policies and legal requirements.
• Support schools in meeting procedural compliance and resolving noncompliance issues as needed.

• Maintain documentation of activities and ensure confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and HIPAA regulations.

1. Professional Development

• Participate in internal and external (as directed) professional learning activities to stay current with trends and evidence-based practices

Additional Responsibilities

• Advocate for learners with disabilities and promote inclusive practices
• Conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments to support teams with developing Behavior Intervention Plans for students
• Supporting school staff with implementing positive behavioral interventions and supports
• Assisting families with accessing school and community resources.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall goals and objectives of the department, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in response to changing needs and priorities
• School Social Workers are authorized to verify services that are reimbursable through Medicaid. 

Skills and Abilities

1. Assessment and Data-Driven Decision Making
2. Intervention Design and Implementation
3. Cultural Competence and sensitivity:
4. Technology Integration

• Collaboration and Teamwork

1. Communication Skills and Documentation

• Time Management

Working Conditions

• Regular travel requirements: Frequent travel is required between office locations and school sites within the agency's designated region. Travel often involves multiple trips within a single day and may necessitate extended periods in a vehicle. Occasional statewide or out-of-state travel for conferences, training sessions, and other professional development events is also expected.
• Physical demands: In addition to regular standing and sitting, the role may involve prolonged periods of walking or standing, particularly during site visits or meetings. Occasional lifting and carrying of equipment and materials (weighing up to 25 pounds) is required. This may include setting up for presentations, carrying materials to different locations, and managing files or supplies. The role also requires sufficient mobility and dexterity to perform office-based tasks, including typing, filing, and other administrative duties.
• Environmental conditions: Travel and on-site visits may expose employees to varying weather conditions and environments, including outdoor settings, school facilities, and community event locations. The ability to adapt to diverse environments, including loud or crowded spaces, is important.
• Visual and auditory requirements: Effective performance in this role requires clear and efficient verbal communication with staff, learners, and community members. Auditory ability is necessary for listening to presentations and participating in discussions, while visual acuity is required for reviewing documents, digital screens, and visual materials.

The role requires a high level of concentration, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. The ability to remain organized and flexible amidst frequent interruptions and variable work schedules is essential.

Green Hills AEA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Contact Human Resources,

Tami Pauley, 712-366-7762, tpauley@ghaea.org.