School Social Worker (2027-2028 School Year)

Thank you for your interest in joining DSST Public Schools for the 2027–28 school year! Please note that final interviews for these positions are expected to begin by February 2027. If you have questions or need to be considered on a different timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We're excited to learn more about you throughout the hiring process!

POSITION: School Social Worker (SSW)

GRADE LEVEL: Hiring for both middle school and high school positions

LOCATION: Multiple DSST Public Schools locations across Denver and Aurora, Colorado. [View current openings.] We encourage you to apply even if your preferred position is not yet listed, as additional opportunities may become available throughout the hiring season.

SALARY: $70,000–$88,000 based on years of aligned experience (up to 10 years). We also offer a relocation stipend for candidates joining us from 75 miles or more outside Denver!

STATUS: Full-time, school-year, benefits-eligible, exempt, in-person position

START: Late July 2027, beginning with new staff training. [View the school-year calendar.] 

Make a Meaningful Impact as a School Social Worker at DSST!

At DSST Public Schools, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our School Social Workers play a critical role in making that vision a reality.

As a School Social Worker, you'll provide direct social-emotional and mental health support, lead crisis intervention, and partner with educators, families, and school leaders to build a school community where every student can succeed.

Why Join DSST?

• Make a lasting impact: Help students overcome barriers to learning through individualized counseling, targeted interventions, and schoolwide mental health initiatives.
• Lead beyond your caseload: Serve as a member of your school's Culture Leadership Team, helping shape student support systems and strengthen school culture.
• Follow your passions: Contribute to projects aligned with your interests, from trauma-informed practices and staff development to family engagement and social-emotional learning.

A Day in the Life of a DSST School Social Worker: Curious what the role looks like in action? Watch our Day in the Life video to see how our School Social Workers support students and make a difference at DSST! 

What You’ll Do

Support Students' Social-Emotional Growth

• Provide targeted, evidence-based counseling and social-emotional interventions that help students overcome barriers to learning.
• Conduct social-emotional evaluations and develop assessment reports to inform student supports.
• Collaborate with student support teams to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 plans, including appropriate goals and services.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on student needs and data.

Lead Crisis Response & Student Well-Being

• Lead crisis intervention using evidence-based protocols for concerns involving suicidality, self-harm, and threats to others.
• Develop postvention plans and collaborate with school leaders to implement student safety and support plans.

Shape a Supportive School Community

• Serve on the Culture Leadership Team, supporting schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
• Use schoolwide social-emotional screening data, including tools such as the BESS and Student Experience Survey, to identify needs and inform interventions.
• Deliver proactive suicide prevention programming and social-emotional learning supports for students.
• Partner with educators, families, and community organizations to strengthen student engagement, attendance, and access to resources.

Additional Opportunities and Responsibilities: Depending on school needs and your professional interests, you may also lead staff professional development, support family engagement initiatives, or help design schoolwide social-emotional learning programming. School Social Workers also collaborate on additional schoolwide responsibilities that support student success. See many of our possible duties here.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW), or current enrollment in an MSW program with eligibility for an appropriate Colorado Department of Education credential.
• Hold or be eligible to obtain the required Colorado Department of Education Special Services Provider license or other qualifying authorization for the position. [Learn more about DSST Mental Health Provider requirements.]
• A strong commitment to educational equity and supporting students from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency.
• Experience with restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, or evidence-based mental health interventions.
• Experience supporting multilingual learners and students with diverse learning needs.
• Experience working with adolescents in school, community mental health, or clinical settings.

We know great School Social Workers come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences! If you're excited about this opportunity but have questions about your qualifications or licensure eligibility, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Talent Team at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We'd love to hear from you!

Please note: The DSST Talent Team replies to every application. If you haven’t heard from us by the indicated timeline, please check your spam folder first. If you don’t see an email there, reach out to us at humancapital@scienceandtech.org. We’re committed to providing an exceptional candidate experience.

Application Timeline

This is an evergreen position, meaning DSST Public Schools recruits for this role on an ongoing basis to support current and anticipated hiring needs across our network. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates may be contacted for interviews as opportunities become available.

For positions with a defined hiring timeline, the anticipated application deadline will be listed at the top of the job posting.

Who We Are

At DSST Public Schools, we are proud to achieve transformational results for our 7,500+ students — 97% of whom attend a Green (top-rated) school. Just as important is how we achieve them: values-centered, human-focused, and together.

We invite educators and leaders who share our belief that there is more in us — more brilliance, more courage, more possibility — to join us.

Our Impact

• 100% of DSST graduates have been admitted to college or a postsecondary program
• 15 of 16 schools rated Green on the 2024–25 SPF
• 9 out of 10 DSST families would recommend DSST to a friend
• 95%+ of staff say their managers check in regularly and care about them as people 

Why Work at DSST?

At DSST, our Quantum 5 Culture defines how we help every team member grow, belong, and thrive.

• Comprehensive Compensation & Benefits: Competitive pay and a Total Rewards package that includes fertility and adoption support, educator-focused mental-health care, and everyday perks like Safeway grocery discounts.
• Growth & Opportunity: Weekly 1:1 coaching, data-driven feedback, and clear career pathways such as Apprentice Teacher and Emerging Leader.
• Rewards & Recognition: Core Value and TOAST Awards, milestone celebrations, and the signature Flower Person Award honoring staff who help our community flourish.
• Whole Human Wellness: Access to the Therapist of Color Collaborative, Wellness Wednesdays, comprehensive health coverage, and six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Thriving in Colorado: Time to recharge with 11+ weeks off each year, relocation support for out of state applicants, and local discounts that help you enjoy life in our beautiful sunshine filled state.

Learn more about our Quantum 5 Culture and Compensation & Benefits.

Employment Classification & PERA Participation

DSST Public Schools participates in the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). Unless otherwise stated in the position title or posting, all roles are full-time and are designated as PERA-covered positions. Candidates should review their individual circumstances and ensure they are able to accept employment in a PERA-covered role prior to applying.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

DSST Public Schools is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not exclude participation in, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity), age (40 and older), disability, or genetic information. We also prohibit retaliation for filing a complaint, reasonably opposing discrimination, or participating in any investigation or proceeding.

DSST is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals are respected, valued, and empowered to thrive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing these duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear and may spend extended periods standing, walking, bending, or kneeling. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 30 pounds and have sufficient hand and finger dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment.