About this role
SOCIAL WORKER (MONTESSORI) New York Montessori School USD 497 Details
FTE: 1.0
HOURS/DAY: 8.0
DAYS PER YEAR: 188 (new teachers)/186 (returning teachers)
FISCAL YEAR: 2026-27
LOCATION New York Montessori School
New York Elementary is a public Montessori-approach school located in Lawrence's historic East Lawrence neighborhood. Established in 1869, New York is one of the earliest schools founded in Lawrence and has a long tradition of serving students and families from its New York Street location. Today, the school continues that legacy through Montessori-inspired practices that promote independence, curiosity, hands-on learning, and a strong sense of community.
Qualifications Master's level Social Worker LMSW or Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW) Current and valid license with the KS. Behavioral Science Regulatory Board Reports To: Principal/Department Supervisor Job Goal The School Social Worker supports the social, emotional, and mental well-being of students within a Montessori learning environment. Through collaboration with students, families, staff, and community partners, the social worker helps remove barriers to learning, strengthens family-school partnerships, promotes student independence and self-regulation, and connects families with resources that support student success.
Performance Responsibilities
• Provide social-emotional and mental health support for students throughconsultation, individual and small group interventions, and problem-solving support.
• Partner with families to identify strengths, address concerns, and connect to community resources and services.
• Serve as a liaison between home, school, and community agencies.
• Support student attendance, engagement, and overall well-being by helping address barriers to learning.
• Collaborate with Montessori educators to foster self-regulation, conflict resolution, responsibility, and positive peer relationships.
• Participate in crisis prevention, intervention, safety planning, and post-crisis support.
• Consult with staff regarding student mental health, family concerns, and effective support strategies.
• Promote equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and comply with professional and ethical standards.
Essential Skills
• Knowledge of child development, mental health, and family systems.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Commitment to the Montessori philosophy of respect, independence, and whole-child development.
• Ability to possess and maintain licensure as a social worker in the state of Kansas.
• Ability to speak clearly to various groups expressing ideas in a logical and forthright manner.
• Possess composition skills suitable for producing written communication for a variety of readers.
• Ability to quickly analyze a situation and provide prompt advice.
• Ability to respond to information requests in a courteous, timely and helpful manner.
• Ability to perform job responsibilities using appropriate software on district computer system and communication equipment.
• Ability to manage job responsibilities while meeting established deadlines.
• Ability to work constructively and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to travel as needed.
The tasks listed in the position description are subject to change at the discretion of the superintendent/designee. The incumbent is expected to take on other duties as requested or assigned by his/her supervisor.
Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel. Salary Certified Salary Schedule + fringe benefits