Public Academy for Performing Arts
An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
2025-2026 School Year
PAPA, a highly successful charter school focusing on college preparation and performing arts, is seeking a Full-Time Social Worker.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
To assist students, families, and schools in the reduction of social, emotional and environmental barriers to learning.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Incumbent must achieve the following outcomes with or without reasonable accommodation:
  • Follows methods of school social work practice appropriate to identified concerns, including direct services, collaboration/consultation, and program development.
  • Provides direct services including School Social Work assessments, crisis intervention, group, individual and family counseling/interventions and information/ referral to mobilize resources and services.
  • Serves as home-school-community liaison.
  • Develops and maintains relationships in partnership with other school personnel, community agencies, students and their families.
  • Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings relating to the educational planning and progress of students in Special Education.
  • Ensures parent participation in the student’s educational placement through home visits and other outreach activities.
  • Establishes and maintains communication with parents regarding student academic, social/emotional and behavioral progress.
  • Consults and shares information with teachers, administrators and other school personnel.
  • Assists in developing positive behavioral supports and interventions strategies for students.
  • Participates in the development and delivery of in-service programs for school, District staff, and the community.
  • Provides case management services to support and optimize student success in the educational setting.
  • Assesses the quality and effectiveness of school social work services and provides documentation, as necessary.
  • Accesses clinical social work consultation and support from an LISW level 3 school social worker.
  • Complies with the Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work Services from the National Association of Social Workers.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Flexibility, organization, decision-making and problem solving skills.
  • Interpersonal skills with diverse populations and ability to practice in a culturally competent manner in-person and on the telephone.
  • Ability to meet deadlines, work on multiple projects and coordinate the work of others.
  • Knowledge of District policies on immunization, medication, first aid, emergencies and child abuse/neglect.
  • Knowledge of school community, needs of student populations, and Special Education laws and regulations.
  • Knowledge and application of a strengths based systems approach.
REQUIREMENTS:
  • Master’s degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
  • Valid New Mexico State Board of Education license in Social Work 601.
  • Valid and active New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners license.
 
SUMMARY: To assist students in the reduction of social, emotional and environmental barriers to learning and establish healthy effective relationships with others. Establishing connection to our school community is a key indicator of success. This position must be able to prioritize and demonstrate flexibility in decision-making in the moment.