Job Description

Social Worker

Location: College Achieve Paterson Charter School/Paterson
Organization: College Achieve Public Schools

About College Achieve Public Schools

College Achieve Public Schools is a growing network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to preparing scholars for college and lifelong success. Our mission is to equip every student with the academic foundation and character necessary to thrive in a competitive world. We believe in high expectations, a supportive environment, and providing every teacher with the tools to succeed.

We are seeking a dynamic and passionate Social Worker to join our team to serve our high school. The Social Worker will lead implementation of the CAPS model in Special Education and support implementation across the school, raising student achievement in preparation for success in postsecondary education, career, and community leadership. The Social Worker will serve as a member of the Child Study Team, assess the needs of children and support the school's instructional program by assisting students in their personal, social & educational growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to the school community including:
  • Crisis intervention and behavior management to expedite students' return to classrooms for learning and to build students' ability to meet the school's high expectations
  • Individual and group counseling (school-based and mandated)
  • Identify and train others to identify students and family members who may benefit from regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling
  • Develop and implement curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention with students.
  • Refer, monitor, and evaluate individuals and families to external resources and services
  • Administer records, documentation, and other compliance activities.
• Serve as a Case Manager and member of Child Study Team
• Strengthen and support parent and family involvement
• Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
• Engage and partner with community agencies and resources
• Help students and their families with learning, behavior, and/or attendance concerns while strengthening home, school, and community partnerships.
• Evaluate students in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic and cultural differences
• Evaluate the configuration of factors within the home, community, and school as related to a student's current social and academic adjustment
• Implement and enhance the school's systems and culture
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
• Commit to professional growth
• Participate in an annual staff orientation and training
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities
  • Help complete necessary school wide duties for the successful and orderly functioning of the school (e.g., hallway supervision, arrival/departure transitions, field trips, etc.) and other such duties as the Principal may request from time to time.
  • Attend and participate in events outside of normal school hours (e.g., family nights, student performances, field trips, report card nights, Teacher - Parent Conferences, June and August Family Saturday Orientations, etc.)
  • Collaborate with teachers in planning grade level meetings, department meetings, staff meetings, and other professional development activities
  • Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the School's Faculty & Staff Handbook or as may be instituted or in effect from time to time
  • Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with College Achieve's core values and educational philosophy
  • Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work + Licensure-LMSW (Required)
• Valid School Social Worker Certification from NJDOE (Required)
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Proven track-record of high achievement
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred.
• Belief in and alignment with College Achieve's core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary: Starts at 60K, commensurate with experience
  
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
  
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
    
  • Life insurance
    
  • NJ State Pension Plan
    
  • Flexible spending account (FSA)
    
  • Extended time off for the Thanksgiving and winter breaks
    

Performance Evaluation

Staff are evaluated by leadership.

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and collaboration skills
  
• Passion for educational equity and high academic standards
  
• Commitment to continuous professional growth
  
• Ability to build strong relationships with students and families
  
• Flexibility and a solutions-oriented mindset