DescriptionPOSTING NUMBER: POSTING DATE: August 31, 2026
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled
POSITION: School Social Worker Coach, Office of Student Support Services
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Student Support Services or Designee
POSITION SUMMARY: The School Social Worker Coach is a trained mental health professional who provides coaching, mentoring, and clinical leadership to school social workers district-wide. The SSW Coach ensures that social workers view the entire school community as the client, promoting a positive school climate, mental health supports, and social-emotional learning to cultivate safety, belonging, and collaboration. The Coach builds connections with community providers, leads research-based clinical interventions, and develops high-quality individualized plans to meet the needs of students, families, and staff.
- Direct Services: Coach school social workers in providing quality individual, group, and family therapy, as well as crisis management.
- Indirect Services: Provide consultation to school staff to ensure ethical, professional, and high-quality social work services across all schools.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Clinical Coaching & Supervision- Implement structured coaching cycles to enhance skill development and practitioner effectiveness.
- Maintain an active LCSW and provide clinical supervision and case reviews for school social workers accumulating hours toward their LCSW credential.
- Provide modeling and tools for individual/group counseling, conflict resolution, and anger management using evidence-based interventions.
- Facilitate School Social Work "Community of Practice" sessions and continuous learning opportunities.
Crisis Intervention & Student Supports- Assist school social workers in completing complex risk assessments and support crisis intervention as needed.
- Assist in developing and implementing standard crisis response procedures district-wide.
- Ensure all assigned schools maintain a functional mental health and health crisis team.
- Support participation in MTSS, 504, and PPT meetings regarding social-emotional or behavioral concerns, providing holistic bio-psychosocial insights.
Compliance, Ethics & Community Engagement- Uphold the professional code of ethics defined by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
- Ensure compliance regarding releases of information, IEP/504 documentation, clinical progress notes, and service plans.
- Develop and deliver presentations for students, families, and staff on topics including Erin's Law, Title IX, and social-emotional wellness.
- Coach social workers on engaging families, navigating community resources, and addressing environmental conditions affecting student welfare.
Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:- Education: Master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited institution
- Certification: Connecticut certification (071) - School Social Worker required
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required (within 6 months of hire)
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience as a certified School Social Worker
- Skills:
- Proven experience working with culturally, socially, and economically diverse populations
- Strong knowledge of school systems, special education processes, and community agency networks
- Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in educational technology, clinical documentation, and data tracking
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut School Social Worker Certification (071) is required.
UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Federation of Teachers (HFT)
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: The salary is in accordance with the Hartford Federation of Teachers' contract with a salary range of $61,955 - $114,267.
APPLICATION PROCESS: To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools' online application. To apply, please visit https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford and follow the appropriate link. Internal candidates are advised to use their personal email when applying. Upon submission, candidates' applications and supporting documents will be reviewed. Successful candidates will be invited to next steps in the selection process.
BenefitsWe Value Our Staff...And It ShowsHartford Public Schools is seeking excellent candidates and wants to provide the best experience for you. We have put together a comprehensive package of benefits and incentives.
Financial Incentives- HPS Graduate Bonus: $2,500 for HPS graduates hired as full-time teachers (initial hire only)
- National Board Certification Bonus: $3,500 annually
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $4,200 annually
- Residency Differential: 3% for teachers living in Hartford
Additional Benefits• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
• Board contribution of 50% of the applicable Health Savings Account (HSA) deductible
• 5 Personal days per year; 17 Sick days per year
• Life insurance (1.5x annual salary)
• Loan forgiveness (State & Federal)
- Access to Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) Alliance District Teacher Loan Subsidy Program
• 7-Hour teacher workday
• Professional learning
• Employee perks (discounted tuition, tickets, etc.)
Position Subject to Available Funding