Internship Social Work Research Jobs in Minnesota

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, supervises, coordinates, and supports the daily operations of School Social Work Services. Assists in the development of social work standards of practice, ensuring they meet the needs of students in alignment with district and state standards, as well as Federal, state, and local laws, and MPS policy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides day-to-day support for school social workers, collaborating closely with school principals to ensure social work services meet school needs.
• Assists in the development, administration, and evaluation of school social work services to ensure they align with district goals and student needs.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates ongoing staff development programs for school social workers based on identified areas of need.
• Ensures that social work practice standards are established and adhered to by all school social workers.
• Conducts regular observations of school social work staff to assess their performance, providing feedback and identifying areas for further development.
• Provide Individual and/or Group supervision for SSWs (clinical, non-clinical, provisional)
• Provides guidance and support to school social workers working toward tenure, helping them meet performance expectations.
• Develops and coordinates the implementation of district child abuse reporting policies and procedures, ensuring compliance and maintaining accurate records.
• Screens and coordinates the placement of school social work interns, providing guidance and oversight throughout their placements.
• Assists the Division of Human Resources with recruitment, placement, and evaluation of school social workers; screens new applicants to ensure a high-quality workforce.
• Serves as a liaison between the district and community agencies, fostering collaboration between district and outside resources.
• Provides consultation to building administrators, community agency personnel, and parents regarding crisis intervention, child abuse reporting, due process procedures, data privacy legislation, parental custody issues, social-emotional student needs, and school/community resources.
• Directs strategic planning efforts and needs assessments, helping to identify staffing and program priorities to meet the district’s goals.
• Ensure district-wide compliance with Section 504 and ADA Regulations
• Develop, implement and monitor policies related to disability access and nondiscrimination
• Serve as the district's primary point of contact for 504/ADA concerns
• Provide training for administrators, teachers, and staff on 504/ADA requirements
• Offer guidance on accommodations, accessibility and inclusive practices
• Provides short-term building social work support/coverage in the absence of a building social worker.
• Enthusiastically supports the Superintendent’s goals and priorities, ensuring compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.
• Maintains strict confidentiality regarding work-related issues, records, and MPS information.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours, including extended hours, to fulfill the requirements of the position.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 
• Performs other duties or tasks as assigned, as needed by the department.

Master’s Degree in Social Work; AND three (3) years of school social work experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources. 

• Relevant state and Federal laws regarding special education, child abuse, compulsory school attendance, and data privacy.
• Children’s mental health issues and best practices for supporting student needs.
• Community resources and governmental assistance programs.
• Public sector administrative management principles, including customer service and employee supervision.
• The Pupil Fair Dismissal Act and related educational regulations.
• Effective resource management techniques and cost-effective strategies.
• Best practices for maintaining confidentiality and records management.
  

Skill in:

• Interpreting and applying state and Federal statutes, regulations, and rules.
• Monitoring operations and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
• Providing consultation, collaboration, and leadership to school social work staff.
• Managing, evaluating, and supporting staff performance.
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships with coworkers, students, parents, community members, and external agencies.
• Using personal computers and specialized software for record-keeping and communication.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Current MN Board of Social Work License at the LICSW level (or eligible for LICSW licensure).
• Current MN School Social Work License at the Masters level.
• A valid Minnesota Driver’s License may be required.
• 30 hours of supervision training

The position requires mobility to work in an office setting and travel to school sites. The employee must have the stamina to sit, stand, and move for extended periods, and the strength to lift up to 20 pounds.

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

• Bargaining Unit:    MAAS
• Grade:                   64
• FLSA Status:         Exempt
• Job Group:            Special Education & Student Support Services
• New:                      April 3, 2026