Social Worker – Next GED+ D6

Who We Are

Zero Dropouts exists to deliver innovative student development opportunities in a way that invites school districts communities and students to co-create unique solutions that recognize foster and unleash students unrealized potential so their lives are transformed as they thrive in their education and work.

Our Next GED D6 program co-located on the West 20th Street Campus with the Greeley Alternative Program (GAP) is a full-time in-person learning environment designed for students seeking a non-traditional pathway to graduation. Through preparation for the GED and intentional postsecondary planning students pursue rigorous academic outcomes while engaging in a learning environment that centers dignity belonging and meaningful relationships.

The in GED reflects our commitment to preparing students not just for a test but for the next chapter of their liveswith relevant opportunities to explore plan and transition into postsecondary learning work and community.

What We Believe

Our foundational beliefs guide every aspect of our work:

We Believe Mysteries are Opportunities
We are inspired to solve the deeply complex mysteries that face our world. Our innovative approach drives us to uncover hidden truths and create tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of our clients and communities.

We Believe in Anti-Deficit Ideology
Anti-deficit ideology focuses on recognizing and valuing the strengths abilities and potential of individuals and communities rather than highlighting their shortcomings or deficiencies.

We Believe in a Sociocultural Model for Learning
People develop knowledge and skills through an active learning process that encourages interactions with teachers peers and their communities. We meet people where they are in their learning journeys centering their experiences and identities in the process to foster both independent learning and collaboration.

We Believe in a Power With Approach to Relationships
We use a power with approach that emphasizes collaboration mutual support and collective empowerment in our relationships with youth partners and each other. Instead of hierarchical or competitive dynamics it focuses on sharing power fostering partnerships and working together to achieve common goals.

We Believe Organizations are Living Systems
We believe that organizations and groups operate as dynamic living systems. This perspective emphasizes interdependence and collaboration fostering resilience and adaptability. By nurturing supportive relationships and collective growth we create conditions and environments where all members can thrive.

Who You Are

You are a licensed social worker who thrives inside a living systemcomfortable with uncertainty attuned to relational dynamics and always adapting to meet emerging needs. You understand that supporting youth requires more than referrals or compliance checklistsits about showing up fully building trust and designing environments where students can belong heal and move forward with purpose.

You dont wait for a student to ask for help; you notice you reach out you walk alongside. You can lead a group hold space in a classroom connect a young person to community resources in the morning and talk about career goals that afternoon. You know the system needs to changeand youre ready to be part of the team reshaping it from the inside out.

Youll be fully embedded in the daily rhythm of the Next GED D6 programpart of a tight-knit team that shares responsibility for the environments health. Youll support students academically and emotionally lead group learning experiences help build new pathways and expand the circle of care through intentional community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

SEL & Academic Learning

• Be present in classroom spaces as a steady supportive adultoffering real-time support with focus engagement and regulation.
• Support individual students with executive functioning goal setting time management and persistence.
• Facilitate small groups and whole-class sessions that foster life skills emotional wellness identity exploration and relational growth.
• Contribute to the creation of learning spaces where students feel seen respected and able to take risksemotionally and academically.

Postsecondary Pathways

• Guide students through exploration of interests strengths values and possible futuresincluding college training service and employment.
• Co-develop and implement individualized postsecondary transition plans that reflect students goals and lived contexts.
• Build and strengthen pathways to postsecondary opportunities by collaborating with teammates students and community partners.
• Support students in navigating application processes and logistical steps while addressing emotional readiness and system-level barriers.

Community Resources and Opportunities

• Cultivate reciprocal trust-based partnerships with local colleges training programs employers and service providers.
• Connect students to community resourcessuch as healthcare housing transportation or employmentthrough warm handoffs and co-navigation.
• Continuously assess and expand the local ecosystem to ensure it reflects the needs interests and lived realities of students.
• Invite partners into the learning environment in ways that feel relational relevant and accessible to youth.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Track and monitor student progress through ongoing assessments and data collection using insights to refine program delivery and customize instruction.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance performance and other metrics to document program impact and inform decision-making.
• Collaborate with project teams to collect both qualitative and quantitative data that demonstrate program effectiveness.
• Coordinate with the broader Next team to ensure students are re-taking GED Ready tests at an appropriate cadence and in accordance with established guidelines
• Monitor student readiness for Official GED subject tests and support students in scheduling and preparing for those assessments in a timely and proactive manner.

Professional Development

• Pursue individual development through continuous growth and learning seeking opportunities for professional development reflection and collaboration that enhance instructional practices and deepen understanding of diverse student needs.
• Engage thoughtfully in professional development opportunities provided by Zero Dropouts aligning with the organizations principled approach and commitment to a living systems model that emphasizes interdependence adaptability and collective growth.
• Stay informed on evidence-based practices and research in GED preparation and postsecondary readiness.

Collaboration

• Regularly meet with other Zero Dropouts staff to ensure alignment and consistency across programs.
• Utilize communication platforms (e.g. Outlook Teams Coda) to maintain professional timely engagement with colleagues students and stakeholders.
• Build and nurture district and community partnerships by fostering trust and mutual benefit through events recruitment support enrichment opportunities and service-learning projectsemphasizing the value of co-creating solutions that attract and engage collaborators.
• Collaborate on Zero Dropouts Design Teams for program and product development as needed.
• Work to support the building and sustaining of interdependence within the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with program and district policies maintaining accurate and thorough records as required.
• Flexibly contribute to the organizations overall mission and support additional projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Masters degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Colorado licensure (LSW or LCSW)
• Willingness and enthusiasm to be physically present and active in classroom spaces
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed anti-deficit practices
• Experience working with high school-age youth particularly those navigating re-engagement life disruptions or structural barriers to education
  

Preferred

• Spanish proficiency
• Experience supporting students with IEPs 504s or language development needs
• Familiarity with GED preparation youth re-engagement programs or credit recovery models
• Experience supporting postsecondary planning with young people who may be first-generation or undecided
  
  

APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit your application materials through our website .

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a full-time position Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-5:30PM. ZD employees work year-round with flexibility for academic breaks.

COMPENSATION: This is an exempt position with a salary range of $56485-70000/year. Note: This represents the full salary range; new hires typically start on the lower end of the range to allow for development in the role.

BENEFITS: Company 401K plan with Employer Contribution Match Medical Dental & Vision Coverage Paid Time Off (Sick Time Holidays Flexible Vacation) Life Insurance; Not PERA eligible.