Job Title:
School Social Worker
Company: Valley Unified Education Service Center
Location: Madawaska, ME
Created: 2026-03-10
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position Type: Student Support Services/Social Worker Date Posted: 2/18/2026 Location: Madawaska School Department School Social WorkerAbout the Madawaska School Department The Madawaska School Department serves students in grades PreK-12 in Madawaska, ME, the most Northeastern town in the United States, and one of the stops on the SCMA Four Corners Tour. The district has two (2) schools, the Madawaska Elementary School (PreK-6) a 2000-01 Nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School, and Madawaska Middle/High School (7-12). To learn more about our schools, we highly encourage all potential applicants to view our Recruitment Brochure. Location: Madawaska School Department (PreK-8 focus; primary assignment Madawaska Elementary School). Job Summary The School Social Worker supports students' academic success, emotional well-being, behavioral development, and social growth. The Social Worker provides counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and coordination of services for students and families in order to remove barriers to learning and promote positive school engagement. At Madawaska Elementary School (MES), the School Social Worker serves as an active member of the PBIS/Student Support Team, collaborating to implement proactive behavioral supports, intervention systems, and restorative practices that promote a safe and supportive learning environment. Qualifications Master's Degree in Social Work Current State of Maine Clinical License (LCSW required) Maine Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) authorization Knowledge of child development, mental health conditions, and school-based interventions Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-based educational setting Strong oral and written communication skills Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and respond effectively in crisis situations Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable Essential Skills Strong knowledge of child development and family systems. Ability to establish effective relationships with students, staff, and families. Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional ethics. Ability to work collaboratively as an essential member of the educational team. Ability to analyze data and contribute to intervention planning. Primary Roles and Responsibilities: Student Services Provider Provide individual and group counseling services to students Assess and address mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, attention difficulties, and social-emotional challenges. Conduct mental health and risk assessments as appropriate. Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, re-entry planning, and follow-up support. Support students in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving strategies. Provide input for students with IEP and 504 Plans Serve as part of the McKinney-Vento team ensuring compliance and support for students experiencing homelessness. Maintain accurate, confidential records consistent with professional standards and district policies. PBIS / Student Support Team Member (Madawaska Elementary School) Serve as a core member of the MES PBIS/Student Support Team. Collaborate in reviewing behavioral data (e.g., SWIS or district behavior tracking systems) to identify trends and student needs. Assist in developing and implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Support Check-in/Check-out (CICO), behavior plans, and restorative practices. Participate in problem-solving meetings to address academic, behavioral and attendance concerns. Help develop school-wide proactive strategies that promote positive behavior and social-emotional learning. Assist with re-entry plans following significant behavioral incidents. IEP and 504 Team Member Participate in IEP and 504 meetings as requested. Assist with goal development aligned to social-emotional and behavioral needs. Conduct observations and provide clinical feedback Deliver services aligned with IEP goals and objectives Collaborate with special education staff to ensure compliance with IDEA and Maine DOE regulations (Chapter 101). Support development and monitoring of accommodation plans. Consultation and Collaboration Consult with teachers, administrators, and support staff regarding student mental health and behavioral needs. Provide strategies and classroom supports for students requiring additional interventions. Maintain communication with families regarding student progress and needs. Serve as liaison between school, home, and community agencies. Coordinate community mental health services and outside supports. Make referrals to Maine DHHS as required and coordinate related communication. Training and Program Development Provide training for staff and families on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, crisis response, and preventative mental health strategies. Assist in developing and evaluating school-based mental health and behavioral programs. Support development of district crisis response protocols. Maintain professional licensure and attend required trainings. Working Conditions: Mental Demands: Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities Ability to maintain composure and sound judgement in crisis situations Ability to maintain a positive and professional demeanor in a fast-paced school environment. Physical Demands: Frequent sitting, standing, and walking, both inside and outside of the school building. Occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.) May be required to assist with or support students during crisis situations in accordance with district policy. Environment Conditions: Work performed in school settings, in and outside of classroom settings. Exposure to typical school noise levels and student crisis situations. Note: This job description reflects the general requirements and responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be revised or assigned as needed by the administration.