Affective Needs Social Worker at KNDMS (26/27 School Year)
KIPP Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
About the Affective Needs Social Worker Role
The Affective Needs Social Worker supports KIPP students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs by providing direct services, developing intervention plans, and collaborating with staff and families. This role ensures students can access their education in a supportive, inclusive, and structured environment. The Affective Needs Social Worker will work with students to set goals and develop differentiated plans for supporting the students in meeting these goals. They will create a schedule for meeting with individual students and groups of students, monitor and share out student progress, and ensure compliance regarding behavioral and social emotional services mandated by students’ Individualized Education Plans.
This role prioritizes legally mandated and high‑impact mental health services aligned to Affective Needs (AN) center programming, including direct IEP services, assessment, progress monitoring, Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) development, and crisis/safety response.
Professional Responsibilities
Believe deeply in the mission, values, and RIDE commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn
Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks (depending on need and role) with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons, preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, reading and internalizing written communication, etc.
Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules
Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft Outlook calendar)
Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement
Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals
Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
Share candid, solutions‑oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement—including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
Know that your role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events
Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.). Responsibilities should prioritize specialized mental health services aligned to licensure and IEP requirements; additional duties should not supersede required services and compliance obligations.
Evaluation and Services
Develops and executes needs assessments in the first month of school year
Uses a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of KIPPsters and their families
Provides intensive services to students in one‑on‑one and small groups. These services can be specialized, therapeutic support for behavioral and emotional needs.
Collaborates with school teams to determine the services needed for each student, based on their IEP goals and requirements, their personal goals, behavioral, social emotional functioning, and other school‑based goals for their learning and development.
Behavioral Support
Assist in developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Analyze behavior data to inform interventions
Support staff with strategies for managing challenging behaviors
Lead and/or support Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and ensure development, implementation, and ongoing progress monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Advocacy
Advocate and facilitate change that effectively responds to the needs of KIPPsters, families and KIPP Colorado network using appropriate statutes, case law, policies, and procedures
Assist KIPPsters and their families to gain access to formal and informal community resources
Consultation and Collaboration
Consult with community members, families, and KIPP school staff to facilitate an understanding of factors in the home and community that impact KIPPsters’ educational experiences
Consult on issues as attendance, diversity, mental health, behavior management, delinquency, crisis intervention, homelessness, child abuse, neglect, and the importance of confidentiality
Support targeted interventions for students with intensive needs as a participant of interdisciplinary teams in accordance with the school mission and with the unique contribution of bringing the KIPP staff, home, KIPP school and community perspective to the KIPP interdisciplinary process
Work with internal and external individuals, groups, and organizations to develop programs or systems of care that support and enhance the health, social and emotional wellbeing, and safety of all KIPPsters and staff
Promote collaboration among community health and mental health service providers and facilitates KIPPster access to these services
Orient community providers to KIPP school climate, and the community
Actively participate on RTI/problem‑solving teams, such as KIPPster intervention teams, discipline support teams
Support school teams in attendance‑related problem solving as appropriate
Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Effectively plan, implement and evaluate KIPP programs that promote KIPPster and family success
Apply knowledge of environmental factors in planning programs
Conduct individual and/or KIPP school‑wide assessments and surveys to assess the school and/or the community needs
Assist the KIPP school in planning programs that alleviate situations, which may interfere with the learning process of KIPPsters
Assist in the evaluation of effective school‑based programs.
Accountability
Advocate, facilitate and contribute to school social worker accountability in terms of the local, state and federal policies
Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work
Evaluate own practice to maximize the effectiveness of services and resources provided to the KIPPsters, families and school
Maintain up‑to‑date documentation and records
Organize time and workload in order to meet responsibilities
Participate in all KIPP professional development opportunities as well as opportunities that work to directly improve knowledge and skills in job performance
Additional Responsibilities
Participate in active presence and strategic supervision and monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning
Partner with the Assistant Principal of Special Services and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students
Enforce positive behavior systems
Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.)
Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties, chaperone field trips, parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events
Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations
Maintain accurate records and data tracking systems
Assist with both student and staff recruitment
Qualifications
Masters Degree in Social Work (required)
Spanish bilingual (preferred)
Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License with a Social Worker endorsement (required)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (preferred)
Previous affective needs school social work experience (preferred)
At least 2 years of teaching experience (highly preferred but not required)
Ability to work during after‑school, evening, and weekend meetings and events at the school (required)
Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (required)
Commitment to and experience with youth of various cultural and economic backgrounds
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
Multi‑faceted, multi‑skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self‑confidence and initiative
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast‑paced environment
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence
Compensation and Benefits
Employee retention and satisfaction is imperative for KIPP Colorado. We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits including the following:
Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $68,716 and is commensurate with experience
Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee‑only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado, options for family enrollment and coverage through United Healthcare
Time Off: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO). Includes up to 8 days of PTO based on hire date; all employees receive summer break; parental and medical leave including 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks after your first year
Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
Other Insurance Options: Wellness reimbursement; voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance; voluntary long term disability insurance; voluntary short term disability insurance; optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Additional Information: For more information, you can view our benefits FAQ
KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. KIPP Colorado Schools, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Elementary, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy and KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job‑related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non‑discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The Affective Needs Social Worker supports KIPP students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs by providing direct services, developing intervention plans, and collaborating with staff and families. This role ensures students can access their education in a supportive, inclusive, and structured environment. The Affective Needs Social Worker will work with students to set goals and develop differentiated plans for supporting the students in meeting these goals. They will create a schedule for meeting with individual students and groups of students, monitor and share out student progress, and ensure compliance regarding behavioral and social emotional services mandated by students’ Individualized Education Plans.
This role prioritizes legally mandated and high‑impact mental health services aligned to Affective Needs (AN) center programming, including direct IEP services, assessment, progress monitoring, Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) development, and crisis/safety response.
Professional Responsibilities
Believe deeply in the mission, values, and RIDE commitments of KIPP Colorado Schools and that all children can and will learn
Assume personal responsibility for student achievement
Read, internalize, and adhere to the KIPP Colorado Policies and Procedures manual and guidelines
Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of my role and its proximity to students)
Take ownership for the development of your craft and engage actively in coaching sessions (meet 1-2 times every 1 or 2 weeks (depending on need and role) with a manager, receive coaching, implement all provided feedback, engage in active practice, etc.)
Commit to being prepared. Such as: internalizing and preparing for lessons, preparing for O3s/coaching, preparing for meetings, coaching, PD, reading and internalizing written communication, etc.
Meet professional obligations including and not limited to meeting deadlines and honoring schedules
Consistently leverage existing professional tools, including but not limited to Google Suite (google documents, etc.) and Microsoft Suite (including but not limited to your KIPP Colorado email, Teams chat / meetings, Teams phone, and Microsoft Outlook calendar)
Maintain strong attendance each day and be on time to all responsibilities
Collaborate with colleagues and seek feedback in the spirit of continuous improvement
Reflect on professional practices to meet individual professional development goals
Actively participate in professional development, grade level, and department meetings
Actively engage and implement in all school-wide and Org wide professional development
Serve as a positive, contributing member of a grade team or functional team, collaborating with colleagues to tackle common challenges and implement org and grade-wide initiatives
Share candid, solutions‑oriented feedback with peers and leadership on a regular basis, assuring that feedback is shared directly with the intended recipient. Ensure that feedback is focused on improving outcomes and experiences for students
Assist with both student and staff recruitment and engagement—including events, home visits, calls home, and other determined and related requirements
Know that your role, professional development, org wide meetings, etc. may require you travel around Denver to other KIPP Campuses, our Home Office, or other KIPP or PD events
Assist with other duties as assigned (such as but not limited to lunch duty, arrival/dismissal duty, bathroom duty, hallway duty, school support duties, etc.). Responsibilities should prioritize specialized mental health services aligned to licensure and IEP requirements; additional duties should not supersede required services and compliance obligations.
Evaluation and Services
Develops and executes needs assessments in the first month of school year
Uses a variety of appropriate formal and informal tools and techniques including observations and interviews to evaluate the progress and performance of KIPPsters and their families
Provides intensive services to students in one‑on‑one and small groups. These services can be specialized, therapeutic support for behavioral and emotional needs.
Collaborates with school teams to determine the services needed for each student, based on their IEP goals and requirements, their personal goals, behavioral, social emotional functioning, and other school‑based goals for their learning and development.
Behavioral Support
Assist in developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Analyze behavior data to inform interventions
Support staff with strategies for managing challenging behaviors
Lead and/or support Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and ensure development, implementation, and ongoing progress monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Advocacy
Advocate and facilitate change that effectively responds to the needs of KIPPsters, families and KIPP Colorado network using appropriate statutes, case law, policies, and procedures
Assist KIPPsters and their families to gain access to formal and informal community resources
Consultation and Collaboration
Consult with community members, families, and KIPP school staff to facilitate an understanding of factors in the home and community that impact KIPPsters’ educational experiences
Consult on issues as attendance, diversity, mental health, behavior management, delinquency, crisis intervention, homelessness, child abuse, neglect, and the importance of confidentiality
Support targeted interventions for students with intensive needs as a participant of interdisciplinary teams in accordance with the school mission and with the unique contribution of bringing the KIPP staff, home, KIPP school and community perspective to the KIPP interdisciplinary process
Work with internal and external individuals, groups, and organizations to develop programs or systems of care that support and enhance the health, social and emotional wellbeing, and safety of all KIPPsters and staff
Promote collaboration among community health and mental health service providers and facilitates KIPPster access to these services
Orient community providers to KIPP school climate, and the community
Actively participate on RTI/problem‑solving teams, such as KIPPster intervention teams, discipline support teams
Support school teams in attendance‑related problem solving as appropriate
Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Effectively plan, implement and evaluate KIPP programs that promote KIPPster and family success
Apply knowledge of environmental factors in planning programs
Conduct individual and/or KIPP school‑wide assessments and surveys to assess the school and/or the community needs
Assist the KIPP school in planning programs that alleviate situations, which may interfere with the learning process of KIPPsters
Assist in the evaluation of effective school‑based programs.
Accountability
Advocate, facilitate and contribute to school social worker accountability in terms of the local, state and federal policies
Adhere to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work
Evaluate own practice to maximize the effectiveness of services and resources provided to the KIPPsters, families and school
Maintain up‑to‑date documentation and records
Organize time and workload in order to meet responsibilities
Participate in all KIPP professional development opportunities as well as opportunities that work to directly improve knowledge and skills in job performance
Additional Responsibilities
Participate in active presence and strategic supervision and monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning
Partner with the Assistant Principal of Special Services and Special Education Teachers to ensure proper implementation of 504s, BIPs, IEPs, safety plans, accommodations, modification, and language support for students
Enforce positive behavior systems
Attend designated school functions outside of school hours (Back to School Night, Report Card Conferences, Community Events, etc.)
Perform necessary support duties including (but not limited to) bus, lunch, and dismissal duties, chaperone field trips, parent meetings, conferences, and periodic evening events
Develop strong relationships with the families of students through home visits, participation in school events and phone calls home
Communicate regularly with families about academic progress and behavior
Participate in daily duties (i.e. breakfast, lunch, dismissal) to support school operations
Maintain accurate records and data tracking systems
Assist with both student and staff recruitment
Qualifications
Masters Degree in Social Work (required)
Spanish bilingual (preferred)
Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License with a Social Worker endorsement (required)
LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) (preferred)
Previous affective needs school social work experience (preferred)
At least 2 years of teaching experience (highly preferred but not required)
Ability to work during after‑school, evening, and weekend meetings and events at the school (required)
Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience (required)
Commitment to and experience with youth of various cultural and economic backgrounds
Outstanding organizational skills and high attention to detail; outstanding written and oral communication skills
Ability to manage the ambiguity and multiple priorities inherent in an entrepreneurial environment
Proactive problem solver who demonstrates initiative and teamwork
Strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work
Multi‑faceted, multi‑skilled, resourceful and willing to do whatever it takes to help the school reach a level of academic excellence
Strong communication, feedback and facilitation skills
Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self‑confidence and initiative
Entrepreneurial mindset, with the creativity and versatility to work productively in a fast‑paced environment
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑energy environment with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple deadlines and tasks with meticulous attention to detail
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with stakeholders across functional and organizational lines
Passionate commitment to KIPP Colorado mission and to high standards of excellence
Compensation and Benefits
Employee retention and satisfaction is imperative for KIPP Colorado. We seek to provide competitive compensation and benefits including the following:
Competitive Market Salary: Starting salary for this role begins at $68,716 and is commensurate with experience
Excellent Healthcare Plan: 100% of employee‑only monthly premium paid by KIPP Colorado, options for family enrollment and coverage through United Healthcare
Time Off: More than 6 weeks of annual vacation and Paid Time Off (PTO). Includes up to 8 days of PTO based on hire date; all employees receive summer break; parental and medical leave including 6 weeks paid and 6 weeks unpaid for a total of 12 weeks after your first year
Career Trajectory: Access to opportunity to move up, across schools, and grow your career during weekly coaching sessions to refine your craft
Mental Health Care: Immediate and ongoing access to mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program
Technology & Access: Equipment provided: laptop & phone
Retirement Planning: Participation in the Colorado PERA retirement program, including a PERA 401k option
Move to Join Us: Relocation reimbursement (when applicable)
Additional Pay: Most schools offer various stipend opportunities
Other Insurance Options: Wellness reimbursement; voluntary employee, spousal, and child life insurance; voluntary long term disability insurance; voluntary short term disability insurance; optional Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Additional Information: For more information, you can view our benefits FAQ
KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. KIPP Colorado Schools, KIPP Denver Collegiate High School, KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, KIPP Northeast Elementary, KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy, KIPP Sunshine Peak Academy and KIPP Sunshine Peak Elementary provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job‑related qualifications, and the ability to perform a job without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious creed, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, legally protected medical condition, veteran status, sexual orientation, or on any other basis made unlawful by federal, state or local laws. It is our policy to maintain a non‑discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.
#J-18808-Ljbffr