Social Worker, K-2nd Grades (2026-27 School Year)

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Prodeo Academy

Social Worker, K-2nd Grades (2026-27 School Year)

Columbia Heights, MN
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Start Date: 2026-27 School Year

    Location: Columbia Heights Primary Academy ****

    Reports to: Principal

    FLSA Status: Exempt

    Updated: December 2025

    POSITION SUMMARY

    The School Social Worker at Prodeo Academy supports students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success through trauma-informed, data-driven practices aligned to Prodeo's core values. This role provides direct services to students, partners closely with families, and collaborates with teachers and staff to address barriers to learning and promote overall school wellbeing. The position includes case management, assessments, crisis intervention, staff consultation, and coordination with community resources, while maintaining strong communication, documentation, and professional standards. The School Social Worker serves as a key member of school-based teams, working to close the opportunity gap and foster positive, inclusive learning environments for all scholars.

    ABOUT PRODEO

    Prodeo Academy is a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities. Prodeo Academy is a meaningful education solution that is closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture grounded in five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for scholars to reach their full potential. We seek team members who are committed to helping students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute positively to their communities.

    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

    The following duties represent the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

    Services to Youth

    • Utilize, model, and teach trauma-informed responses to behavior.
    • Conduct classroom meetings and psycho-educational social skills groups and classroom presentations on identified areas of concerns, as needed.
    • Provide social work case management, risk assessments and functional behavior assessments, as needed.
    • Identify and assess academic problems through analysis of factors impinging on student adjustment, including factors in the home, school, and community.
    • In conjunction with school staff, assist with crisis intervention services, as needed.

    Services to Families

    • Visit with families whose youth are more significantly challenged in school.
    • Use parent coaching interventions to assist families in managing challenging behaviors and decreasing trauma responses.
    • Serve as a liaison between families and the school to positively promote collaborative processes in educational planning for students by encouraging parent/guardian participation in the school setting.
    • Provide parent/guardian educational workshops on identified issues related to child development, stress reduction, discipline and safety, and teacher/parent/student communication.
    • Establish communication and positive connections between the parent/guardian and school around identified issues.
    • Locate and collaborate with community services and resources to support families in order to foster students' educational and emotional functioning.

    Services to School Staff

    • Ensure systemic wellbeing of Prodeo Academy and its teachers and staff by promoting a culture of wellbeing.
    • Provide staff consultation regarding issues impacting student participation in the learning process.
    • Provide staff development to teach and model trauma-informed behavioral supports to teachers and staff.
    • Provide classroom observation, when requested, for the purpose of observing students in various environments.
    • Support teachers and staff in addressing non-academic challenges to learning youth may have, due to external factors influencing their readiness for learning.
    • Collaborate with school staff and other school system personnel in implementing strategies to promote student learning.
    • Develop programs and interventions to assist parent/guardian participation in the school, and engagement in the educational process.

    Supervision & Administrative Requirements

    • Attend and participate in trainings, regular supervision with both Prodeo and Anu.
    • Communicate in an effective and timely manner with Anu and Prodeo staff.
    • Participate as a member of school-based teams to develop interventions for promoting students' academic success.
    • Serve on both school-based and system-wide committees to address educational issues, adjustment problems, safety issues, and program development for students, as requested.
    • Maintain required clinical records and submit appropriate documents for outcome reports, with adherence to program standards in school social work, in a timely manner.

    Professional Consultation and Coordination

    • Actively participate through giving and seeking input from supervisor(s) and colleagues in supervision, case reviews and other clinical meetings to ensure broad consultation and best practice approaches to the most difficult cases.
    • Participate as team member with Prodeo Academy staff, youth and their families, as well as colleagues at Anu Family Services, to ensure continuity of services to youth, which promote educational success.

    Communication & Professional Responsibilities

    • Communicate regularly and professionally with families and staff regarding student needs and progress.
    • Check and respond to team and family communication within 24–48 business hours.
    • Maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance, which is an essential function of the role.
    • Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the school and organization.

    This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Prodeo Academy reserves the right to modify duties at any time.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    • Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field required; Master's Degree in social work or related field preferred.
    • Certification/Licensure Required: Active LSW or beyond through the MN Board of Social Work and an active School Social Worker license through PELSB, or ability to obtain.
    • Significant experience in child welfare, education or juvenile justice system (5 or more years) required. Experience with youth and/or family-based services preferred.
    • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work effectively and relate comfortably with parents, children and youth with special needs and their families, while maintaining professional boundaries.
    • Demonstrated skill in accurate and timely documentation for social work practice.
    • Ability to work independently and as a team member.
    • Knowledge of and ability to utilize community resources, including multicultural resources.
    • Ability to build individual relationships and facilitate group interaction.
    • Excellent public relations skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing with diverse individuals, and demonstrate cultural competency.
    • Strong organizational, planning and coordination skills.
    • Ability to mediate, manage conflict and perform successful negotiations.
    • Ability to work collaboratively with Anu Family Services staff and other key stakeholders.
    • Strong interpersonal and cognitive skills in analysis, assessment, creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making.
    • High level of computer competency in Windows environment required, and familiarity with search engines and search technology preferred.
    • Valid Driver's License, auto insurance, reliable transportation and ability to travel.

    CORE COMPETENCIES

    • Commitment to Prodeo Academy's mission and values.
    • Strong collaboration and team-oriented mindset.
    • Ability to differentiate instruction and support diverse learners.
    • Data-driven approach to instruction and decision-making.
    • Able to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
    • Cultural responsiveness and sensitivity.
    • Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
    • Professionalism, reliability, and strong ethical judgment.
    • Commitment to professional growth and continuous improvement.
    • Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with students and families.

    PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    • Ability to stand and move throughout the classroom for extended periods.
    • Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods.
    • Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 lbs.
    • Ability to support students physically as needed, including bending, kneeling, or assisting with mobility.
    • Ability to participate in crisis intervention or student safety procedures when necessary.
    • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.

    WORK ENVIRONMENT

    • Work is performed in a school/classroom environment with typical levels of noise and activity.
    • Exposure to students with varying academic, behavioral, and emotional needs.
    • Occasional exposure to bodily fluids may occur as part of student support.
    • Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required for certain tasks.
    • The role may require travel between classrooms, buildings, or occasional off-site events.

    COMPENSATION

    Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, educational background, and academic outcomes. Prodeo's total rewards program offers benefits that are the best fit for you at every stage of your career including:

    • Comprehensive healthcare options (Medical, Dental, and Vision).
    • Retirement planning through Teacher's Retirement Association (TRA)/Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) and optional 403B plans.
    • Generous Paid time off, federal holidays, and academic breaks throughout the school year.
    • Leadership Development Opportunities including Grade Team Leadership, Instructional Coach, Data Team Leadership, and Extracurricular Coaching.

    ADA & Reasonable Accommodation Statement

    Prodeo Academy is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of this job, please contact Human Resources. Requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will not be denied unless they present an undue hardship to the organization.

    Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

    Prodeo Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic. Prodeo Academy is committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds.