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Denver, Colorado, United States
Onsite
POSITION: Network School Social Worker
GRADE LEVEL: Middle and High School
LOCATION: Based in Denver, CO with travel to 16 schools across Denver and Aurora
SALARY: $72,500-$88,400 based on aligned years of experience up to 10 years. We also offer a relocation stipend for anyone joining us from 75 miles or more from Denver!
STATUS: Full time, benefits eligible, exempt, in-person position (Denver, CO)
START: Immediate. You can view the current School Year Calendar here.
Applications will be accepted until September 18th 2026 at 4pm MST.
KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Our Lead Network School Social Worker will provide social services and assistance to improve the social and emotional functioning of students and their families in order to maximize academic functioning and achievement. Additionally, our Network School Social Workers:
Develop social work team members on a weekly basis to ensure they feel supported and successful in their direct services with students, families, and school staff
Implement systems and structures and ensure fidelity of use
Collect progress monitoring data and conduct analysis to improve efficacy and efficiency of use of systems and structures as well as direct services
Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty
Counsel students, parents (in groups and individually) and consults with staff in the development of appropriate behavior goals
Participate in crisis management by implementing protocols, providing counseling and/or making referrals
Respond to referrals and or reported cases from teachers, administrators, other school personnel, parents, students, self, and community agencies such as the Department of Human Services
Essential Functions:
Fill vacancies for schools who do not have a social worker hired or a social worker is out on leave
Complete all duties for a school with vacancies prioritizing IEP & 504 services
Support the development of social team members on a weekly basis to ensure they feel supported and successful in their direct services with students, families, and school staff
Implement systems and structures and ensure fidelity of use so IEP & 504s are in compliance and effectively supporting students
Collect progress monitoring data and conduct analysis to improve efficacy and efficiency of use of systems and structures as well as direct services
Serve as a liaison between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty
Counsel students, parents (in groups and individually) and consults with staff in the development of appropriate behavior goals
Participate in crisis management by implementing protocols, providing counseling and/or making referrals
Respond to referrals and or reported cases from teachers, administrators, other school personnel, parents, students, self, and community agencies such as the Department of Human Services
Team Participation
Support of social workers to support hard to engage students and families
Participate in DSST School Attendance Team Meetings
Coordinate and collaborate with DSST school culture leads and mental health providers
Professional Development
Engage in the staff learning and growth cycle of feedback at DSST, including peer surveys, supervisor surveys, family surveys, and ongoing coaching and development cycles
Engage in regular professional development as part of a mental health team to improve services.
Participate in school-based professional development
Participate in Denver Public Schools trainings as needed
Additional duties as assigned such as supporting student recruitment, running a small group advisory class, having duties, etc. See many of our possible duties here.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
All candidates must have a Masters in Social Work or currently be enrolled in a MSW program. You can read more about requirements for Mental Health Providers at DSST here.
An unwavering belief that all students can succeed in school, reach their most ambitious post-secondary goals, and lead exemplary lives
Desire to personally professionally grow in their practice of becoming an anti-racist educator
Self-awareness, a regular practice of reflection, and a desire to continuously improve
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS
Speaks Spanish
Training and experience in restorative and trauma-informed approaches
Has experience working with English Learners
Demonstrated success working with students of color and students with varied abilities
3+ years of experience as a school social worker
Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.
Application Timeline
This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.
For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.
Who We Are
At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.
We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.
Why Work at DSST?
At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.
Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.
Employment Classification & PERA Participation
DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.
DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
