Social Worker (- School Year)

Full-Time School Social Worker

Wonder what it would be like to go snowshoeing through a maple forest? Or what it may be like to grow your own food in a greenhouse? Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science (WMAES) don't wonder what they know! Come be a part of our 62-acres of an outdoor classroom to expand your child's love of learning. Working gardens, nature trails, forests, wetlands and prairies are all available for students to explore. WMAES students transition from desks to dirt, creating an environment for all students to learn. WMAES knows that teachers are the heart of the school and are surrounded by a support system that is committed to the success of every child.

Qualities of a Successful Candidate:

• A comfortability in an outdoor setting and a knack for creativity and innovation, incorporating hands-on activities, experiential learning, and interactive teaching methods to make environmental/outdoor learning engaging and impactful.
• An unwavering belief that all children regardless of their background can learn and exceed at high levels.
• A strong desire to achieve outstanding results in the pursuit of excellence for students.

• Strong interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with children, parents and other staff members. They should be able to work collaboratively, promoting a harmonious learning environment.

As the Full Time Social Worker, your core responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Conducts assessments and evaluations in accordance with family and student rights.
• Uses student, family, and school assessment results to identify needs that affect student learning.
• Provides social work counseling to students and parents.
• Provides psycho-social assessment and diagnosis of behavior disabilities with recommendations and/or environmental manipulations at the school, home, and/or community with periodic reevaluations.
• Evaluates transcripts; participates, as requested, in planning, implementation and follow-up phases of proficiency testing.
• Participates in the Child Study Process and Individual Education Program ("IEP") process as required.
• Makes referral to public or private agencies with appropriate follow-up.
• Serves as a liaison between school, family, and community resources.
• Serves as a source of information regarding community resources.
• Participates in case conferences involving cooperation with other pupil personnel workers, school personnel, and community agencies.
• Acts as a consultant to resolve problems concerning issuance of credits.
• Works with students on an individual basis in seeking solutions to personal problems related to such areas as home and family relations, health, and emotional adjustment.
• Participates in the development of policies and regulations that affect instruction and conditions of success.
• Works cooperatively with the Health Education Teachers to carry out the Academy's sex education program.
• Provides in-service training for staff in guidance programs and in student conflict resolution and self-awareness programs.
• Conforms to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics, and Standards for School Social Work practice.
• Assumes responsibility for the orderliness of the learning environment and the appropriate and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
• Maintains and administers the student records system according to the Academy, state, and federal regulations and protects the system's confidentiality.
• Organizes time, resources, energy, and workload in order to meet responsibilities.
• Participates in appropriate professional development activities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Assumes other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Essential Skills and Competencies: While we will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications/experience:

• Master's Degree in Social Work required
• State of Michigan certification (310), temporary approval as a school social worker, or currently enrolled in a Master's program for School Social Work.
• Previous experience working in a school setting
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Compassionate and approachable personality
• Strong sense of discretion and professionalism

Job Goal : To promote understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success, along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies. This position will support and uphold the mission and vision of the environmental academy.

Work Location: 4463 Leonard ST NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Please contact Jackson Carmoney at with any questions.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Choice Schools offers a full comprehensive benefits plan, including health care, a competitive 401(K) plan, professional development, and much more. View our benefits options here -

Working for Choice Schools Associates

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science is part of the Choice Schools Community. As a comprehensive education service provider, Choice Schools offers a student-centered approach to tailored school operations support. Much like a superintendent's office, Choice Schools provides invaluable assistance in various crucial areas, including instruction, professional development, curriculum, human resources, finance, compliance, communications, and enrollment. By being a part of the Choice Schools Environmental Model, West Michigan Academy is a vibrant community of learning, comprised of multiple other outstanding environmental schools within the state. The Environmental Model will provide you with the support and collaboration of a large district while serving at a tight-knit community school in your area.

Choice Schools Associates is an equal opportunity employer. Choice Schools Associates does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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