Development Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

Memphis Business Academy (MBA) seeks a dedicated and student-centered School Social Worker to support the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral success of students across the MBA network. Consistent with MBA's mission of developing future leaders and ensuring high academic achievement, the School Social Worker will provide comprehensive social work services that remove barriers to learning, strengthen family engagement, and promote the well-being of the whole child. MBA emphasizes academic excellence, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community impact while fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive.

Reports To

Principal and/or Director of Student Support Services

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support and Mental Health Services

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, attendance, or academic concerns.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and social-developmental evaluations.
• Develop and implement intervention plans designed to improve student outcomes.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and coping skills.
• Provide crisis intervention and support for students experiencing trauma, grief, mental health concerns, or family crises.

Family and Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community agencies.
• Conduct parent conferences, family consultations, and home visits as appropriate.
• Connect students and families with community resources, including counseling services, healthcare, housing assistance, food programs, and other social services.
• Promote meaningful family engagement to support student achievement and attendance.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Collaborate with administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, and support staff to address student needs.
• Participate in MTSS/RTI², Student Support Team, Section 504, manifestation determination, and IEP meetings.
• Assist school staff with behavioral interventions and social-emotional support strategies.
• Support school-wide initiatives that promote positive school culture, leadership development, and student success.

Attendance and Student Advocacy

• Monitor and address chronic absenteeism and barriers to school attendance.
• Advocate for students and families to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities and support services.
• Assist with dropout prevention, student retention, and engagement efforts.

Crisis Response and School Climate

• Participate in crisis response, threat assessment, and safety planning teams.
• Support the implementation of trauma-informed and restorative practices.
• Help create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment that aligns with MBA's commitment to developing responsible and successful leaders.

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and timely records in accordance with FERPA, Tennessee Department of Education regulations, and professional ethical standards.
• Complete assessments, reports, referrals, case notes, and required documentation.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal special education and student support requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited institution.
• Valid Tennessee social work license (LMSW, LAPSW, LSSW or LCSW).
• Tennessee Department of Education School Social Worker endorsement/licensure.
• Knowledge of Tennessee special education procedures, MTSS/RTI², Section 504, and student support services.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and case management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations and families.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as a School Social Worker in a K–12 educational setting.
• Experience in urban schools or charter school environments.
• Training in trauma-informed care, restorative practices, and crisis intervention.
• Experience collaborating with community organizations and mental health providers.
• Bilingual proficiency preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Knowledge of social-emotional learning and behavioral interventions.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop intervention plans.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Commitment to MBA's mission of preparing students for success in school, college, careers, and life through leadership, academic excellence, and community engagement.