School Social Worker or School Counselor

POSITION School Social Worker or School Counselor

LOCATION Dishman Hills High School

FTE 1.0

DAYS/YEAR 184

CONTRACT Continuing

SALARY Per the WVEA Salary Schedule

• Dependent on verified education and experience
• Prorated for partial FTE positions
• Additional compensation and benefits as outlined in the WVEA CBA
• Placement according to verified education & experience
• Pay is annualized over 12 months

JOB TYPE Exempt

UNION/CONTRACT West Valley Education Association (WVEA)

START DATE 2026-2027 School Year

SUMMARY

Position Overview

Dishman Hills High School is seeking a compassionate, student-centered School Social Worker or School

Counselor with an active ESA (Educational Staff Associate) certification in either School Counseling or

School Social Work. This position supports a diverse student population through academic, social-

emotional, and college and career development. The ideal candidate is dedicated to equity,

empowerment, and innovation in alternative education.

About Dishman Hills High School

We are a small, relationship-based school serving students in grades 8-12 from across Spokane County.

Our program is built around personalized learning, project-based instruction, and a deep commitment

to student belonging and voice. We offer flexible scheduling, an emphasis on career readiness, and a

unique advisory model to ensure every student is known, supported, and prepared for their future.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in non-traditional, alternative, or project-based schools
• Familiarity with high school systems, including credit tracking, graduation requirements, and intervention planning
• Strong understanding of adolescent development, mental health supports, and trauma- responsive practices
• Ability to participate in in-person training July 14-18 in Houston, TX or virtual training July 28- August 1, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Valid Washington State ESA Certificate with an endorsement as a School Social Worker or School

Counselor.

• Experience in giving and organizing student assessments.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with high school-aged students and their families
• Knowledge of graduation requirements and High School and Beyond Plans.
• Knowledge of college and career planning, including scholarships, FAFSA, and post-high school options.
• Knowledge of local social services (health, housing, mental health, transportation, etc.) to support students and families.
• Able to respond effectively in crisis situations.
• Knowledge of how to support students showing signs of self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Strong skills in planning, decision-making, and setting priorities.
• Comfortable using technology for instruction and school operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic and Postsecondary Planning

• Collaborate with staff to onboard new students, review transcripts, and develop personalized graduation plans
• Support 8th grade transition to HS, including College Bound Scholarship
• Support students and advisors with High School and Beyond Plans, graduation pathways, credit

tracking, and course registration

• Guide students and families through postsecondary planning, including FAFSA, scholarships,

apprenticeships, and college applications

• Coordinate state and district assessments (e.g., SBA, WCAS, IABs), including staff training,

scheduling, communications, and day-of logistics, complete compliance reports while ensuring

student support is maintained during testing window

Social-Emotional Support

• Strengthen and sustain MTSS tiered systems of support
• Provide individual crisis and ongoing group counseling to support emotional regulation,

behavior, and attendance

• Implement SEL and advisory programming in collaboration with teachers
• Respond to student crises, support transitions between placements, and facilitate whole-school

interventions when needed

• Participate in SEL-related PD and provide PLC workshops for staff. Connect students and families

with community resources and coordinate case management for at-risk youth

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a member of the School Leadership Team
• Co-plan and implement the advisory curriculum, including lessons on social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and other topics identified through student data and PLC process
• Lead building teams such as the Re-Engagement and Student Support Team
• Build and maintain partnerships with outside agencies and service providers
• Deliver professional development for staff around trauma-informed care, MTSS, SEL, and cultural responsiveness
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and student-centered school culture
• Provide support to staff when needed to identify and try strategies to strengthen academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets in students
• Utilize and help maintain shared student support systems and tracking tools to ensure coordinated case management across the staff team

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR

Building Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and work year are determined by the negotiated agreement and the needs of the District.

Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed before employment commences. The successful candidate for this position must complete a fingerprinted background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Employment is contingent upon clearance of the background check.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS - Employees who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in Chapter 182-31 WAC have access to medical, dental, vision, supplemental life, and supplemental disability insurance through the School Employee Benefit Board (SEBB).

RETIREMENT - All regular, non-substitute employees are enrolled in a state retirement plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS).

SICK LEAVE - All regular, non-substitute employees receive 12 sick leave days (prorated based on FTE) and paid time off. Substitute employees receive sick leave per RCW 49.46.210.

PAID TIME OFF - All regular, non-substitute employees receive paid time off, including annual and/or vacation leave. Paid time off varies by position and work year. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

OTHER BENEFITS

Classified employees receive 10-13 paid holidays (depending on position & work year). Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

Employees may be eligible for VEBA including monthly accrual and/or sick leave conversion. Benefits are position specific. Refer to the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or salary schedule for details.

West Valley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Sabre Dahl, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 924-2150, sabre.dahl@WVSD.org. Section 504 Coordinator, Dan Andrews, 2805 N Argonne Rd., Spokane Valley WA 99212, Phone: (509) 922-5478, dan.andrews@WVSD.org.