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Affective Needs Social Worker at KNDLA (26/27 School Year)

Kippcolorado, 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 will 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 and monitor and share out student progress. The Affective Needs Social Worker will also ensure that we are in 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.

About KIPP and What We Do: KIPP Colorado Public Schools is a network of six free college-preparatory public charter schools open to all students. We focus on a joyful, academically excellent environment and partner with families and communities to ensure a choice-filled future for students.

Role Responsibilities

Provide an active presence, strategic supervision, and intentional monitoring to ensure student safety and engagement in rigorous learning (regardless of role proximity to students).

Develop, implement, and monitor intervention plans and supports for students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

Collaborate with school teams and families to determine services aligned to IEP goals, personal goals, and school-based objectives.

Lead or support the development of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as required, including data analysis to inform interventions.

Deliver direct and indirect services aligned to IEP and 504 requirements, including progress monitoring and documentation.

Conduct social–emotional assessments and contribute to eligibility processes; provide crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.

Progress monitor and report on student goals in alignment with IEP timelines.

Promote family involvement and support of students’ learning within a multicultural context; conduct home visits and communications as appropriate.

Coordinate with AN program staff and school leadership to design proactive mental health programming and structured supports for classrooms.

Engage in RTI/problem-solving teams and participate in school safety planning and prevention measures.

Maintain accurate records, documentation, and data tracking; comply with confidentiality and ethical standards.

Evaluation and Services

Develop needs assessments during the first month of the school year and use formal and informal tools to evaluate progress for students and families.

Provide intensive one-on-one and small-group services to address behavioral and emotional needs.

Collaborate with school teams to determine services based on IEP goals, personal goals, and learning needs.

Implement evidence-based social-emotional and behavioral interventions; support crisis intervention when required.

Support students in developing coping strategies, emotional regulation, and social skills; participate in school safety initiatives.

Orient and coordinate with family and community resources as needed.

Behavioral Support

Assist in developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs); analyze behavior data to inform interventions.

Provide strategies to staff for managing challenging behaviors; lead or support FBAs and monitor BIPs.

Advocacy

Advocate for and facilitate change that meets the needs of students and families using applicable laws, policies, and procedures.

Assist students and families in gaining access to formal and informal community resources.

Consultation and Collaboration

Consult with families, community members, and school staff to understand factors at home and in the community that impact learning.

Provide consultation on issues such as attendance, mental health, behavior management, crisis intervention, and confidentiality.

Participate in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate with internal and external partners to support health, safety, and well-being.

Program Planning, Implementation and Evaluation

Plan, implement, and evaluate programs that promote student and family success; conduct assessments and surveys to identify needs.

Lead and support safety protocols, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring for students at risk of harm.

Accountability

Adhere to ethics and professional standards; maintain up-to-date documentation and records.

Evaluate practice to maximize effectiveness and participate in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

Masters Degree in Social Work (required).

Colorado Department of Education Special Service Provider License with a Social Worker endorsement (required).

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) preferred; Spanish bilingual is preferred.

Experience with affective needs school social work preferred; at least 2 years of teaching experience highly preferred but not required.

Ability to work after hours and participate in meetings and events as needed.

Commitment to an Exceptional Student Experience and to serving diverse communities.

Strong organizational, written and oral communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Proactive problem solver with teamwork mindset and a strong work ethic.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive market salary; starting salary depends on experience.

Excellent healthcare plan with employee-only coverage and options for family enrollment.

Paid time off including summer break and PTO; additional benefits available.

Retirement planning through Colorado PERA with 401k option; relocation assistance if applicable.

Additional benefits: life insurance, disability insurance, wellness reimbursements, and other voluntary options.

Access to mental health support and Employee Assistance Program.

Technology provided (laptop and phone) and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity
KIPP Colorado Schools is dedicated to equal employment opportunities and fair labor practices. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics as defined by law.

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