Brilla Public Charter Schools

Elementary School Social Worker

About the Brilla Schools Network

Brilla Public Charter Schools is a network of K-8th grade schools that currently serves nearly 1,600 students from Mott Haven, University Heights and other neighborhoods in the Bronx. The network plans to grow from a current four elementary and one middle school to five elementary and five middle schools educating some 4,000 students in the Bronx and Paterson, NJ. Core to our mission is that our students become young men and women of good character and spirit and be prepared for excellence in high school, college, and beyond. Brilla combines a classical approach to education - an emphasis on virtue formation, Truth, Beauty, and Goodness, and direct instruction of a content-rich curriculum that has stood the test of time - with co-teaching practices and individualized online learning. We approach the formation of our students holistically and also set high academic expectations. Ours is a joyful community that honors the dignity of each student, family member and staff.

Position Overview

The Social Worker commits to upholding Brilla Public Charter Schools' mission, instructional vision, and Commitment to Excellence. The Social Worker will report to the Student Services Manager. He/she will demonstrate high expectations for the achievement and conduct of all students, and foster a safe, joyful, and nurturing learning environment in which students can thrive. The Social Worker will be responsible for working with students, families, and teachers to solve problems relating to student achievement and health.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend 3 week long summer Professional Development in August before school year to become familiar with systems, routines and expectations. (8am-5pm)
• Actively engage in ongoing professional development
• Maintain regular communications with parents and guardians to build positive and trusting relationships with students and families
• Aids students with behavioral, mental, emotional, and/or physical problems: counsels students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical handicap or condition indicates need for assistance; arranges for medical, psychiatric, and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures; attempts to alter attitudes and behavior of parents and teachers that cause or aggravate problems
• Counsels individual and small group sessions as per Individualized Education Program (IEP) requirements
• Manages crisis situations as they arise; can expect to be on call for such crises
• Provides individual and group counseling to students and their families on a short-term basis
• Serves as a professional resource for school staff in areas of supporting families and students in crisis
• Makes home visits; should feel comfortable working with people from all ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Participates in the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), serving as an advocate for the students
• Trains staff and parents; works with students on school and behavioral support program
• Maintains clinical records on case-management services, which includes documenting home visits, counseling sessions, and other services
• Provides feedback to teachers and administrators on how to best support caseload and non-caseload students; consults with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems and effect solutions
• Designs and implements a curriculum that allows parents to talk with a counselor and with each other about how to best support their child's (children's') academic and social development
• Serves as a consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct service
• Designs curriculum and facilitates topic-specific groups, workshops, and drop-in discussion groups to address common social, emotional, and/or behavioral issues
• Assesses high-risk situations; makes immediate recommendations and referrals in efforts to ensure child safety and reduce or eliminate risk factors
• Works with students and their families to develop strategies, including providing referrals to outside agencies, for addressing the safety, emotional, and basic needs of the students and their families
• Serves as a liaison and advocate among student, home, school, and community resources, such as family-service agencies, mental-health clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and clergy members
• Commit to be available by phone after school hours until 7:00 p.m. each day weekday to address any student or family questions or concerns (cell phone provided by the school)
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Dresses professionally at all times

Key Qualifications & Competencies

• Possess zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor
• LCSW or LMSW required
• Minimum of two years of counseling experience, preferably in an urban school setting
• Passion for contributing to a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Entrepreneurial spirit and desire to contribute to building a school from the ground up
• Optimistic, motivated, and adaptable
• Self-aware and understands own strengths and weaknesses; commitment to continuous personal growth, professional development, and mentorship opportunities
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Spanish language proficiency required