School Social Worker (Grades 9–12)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Full-Time | Certified Position

Position Overview
Rooted School is seeking a compassionate, licensed School Social Worker to support the mental health, emotional wellness, and academic success of students in grades 9–12. This team member will play a key role in identifying barriers to learning, providing direct and group-based interventions, and building the capacity of the school community through training and coaching in trauma-informed practices. The ideal candidate is an expert in adolescent development and mental health, and is committed to ensuring all students feel safe, supported, and understood.

This position requires a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) certification in the state of Louisiana.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Student Support

• Provide individual and small group counseling to students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges
  
  

• Conduct risk assessments and lead crisis intervention efforts in collaboration with school leadership
  
  

• Deliver trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions aligned with student needs
  
  

• Support students with transitions, attendance, grief, family changes, and mental health concerns
  
  

Mental Health Leadership & Training

• Serve as a school-wide leader in trauma-informed care, mental health response, and social-emotional learning
  
  

• Provide professional development to staff on best practices in mental health, student de-escalation, and relationship-building
  
  

• Collaborate with teachers and staff to embed mental wellness practices in daily instruction
  
  

Family & Community Engagement

• Act as a liaison between home, school, and community to ensure students and families receive needed resources
  
  

• Refer families to appropriate outside agencies for additional support services
  
  

• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians about student progress and wellness
  
  

Collaboration and Leadership

• Serve as a core member of the student support team and contribute to MTSS implementation
  
  

• Monitor student wellness data and trends to inform interventions and support strategies
  
  

• Contribute to a strong, positive school culture rooted in high expectations, restorative practices, and mutual respect
  
  

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Louisiana
  
  

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with adolescents in school or clinical settings
  
  

• Deep knowledge of trauma-informed care and adolescent mental health
  
  

• Strong written and oral communication skills
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in high-needs or urban school environments
  
  

• Bilingual (Spanish or Vietnamese) a plus
  
  

• Familiarity with school-based data systems (eSIR, specifically) for tracking student progress and supports
  
  

Who You Are

• You believe in the brilliance and potential of every student
  
  

• You are deeply committed to equity, inclusiveness, and high expectations
  
  

• You thrive in a dynamic, innovative, startup-like environment
  
  

• You embrace feedback, reflection, and continuous improvement
  
  

• You’re willing to do hard things in the service of students—and bring others along with you
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
  
  

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement
  
  

• 4-day work week, extended calendar with more frequent breaks, innovative school environment
  
  

• Professional development and opportunities for growth within the Rooted School
  
  

If you're as excited about this role as we are, please email the following to our Application Review Committee at work@rootedschool.org:

1. A cover letter that includes answers the prompts below:

• Explain what prompted you to apply for this role at Rooted School and what interests you most about the opportunity to join our team.

• Tell us about a time you had a measurable (i.e. quantitative) impact on a job or an organization.

• Share your biggest area for growth (i.e. if you improved in this area, it would have a significant impact on your next professional chapter).

2. Resume that tells the story of your impact 

3. At least three references who fit the profile below:

• Someone who’s coached/managed you for at least one year.

• Someone who you consider a peer, or lateral to you on team you’ve been on for at least one year.