Student Supports Manager - South Side of Chicago Schools

Student Supports Manager - South Side of Chicago Schools

Make a Real Impact in Chicago Schools:
Join us as a Student Supports Manager. Are you passionate about youth empowerment, mental health, and educational equity? Do you want to do more than just talk about change and make it happen daily in Chicago's classrooms? Then this might be the opportunity for you.

Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago is laser-focused on helping students stay in school and succeed in life. Our non‑profit partners with over 250 Chicago Public Schools to connect more than 80,000 students and families with vital support services, from mental health counseling to enrichment programs. At the heart of our work are our Student Supports Managers (SSMs) – on‑the‑ground change agents embedded in schools across the city.

This role specifically serves CPS/Charter Schools on the South Side of Chicago. This isn’t a desk job. As an SSM you will work on‑site every day at a CPS school or Public Charter School, managing a caseload of around 50 students who are facing real‑life barriers to learning, things like attendance issues, academic struggles, trauma, or behavioral challenges. You will also help lead school‑wide programs that build a stronger, more supportive school community.

• Serve as the go‑to support for a caseload of 50 students: provide one‑on‑one and small‑group support, track progress, and adjust interventions as needed.
• Design and deliver school‑wide prevention, wellness, and engagement initiatives.
• Join or co‑lead school‑based teams like the Behavioral Health Team.
• Connect students and families with trusted community resources through our citywide partner network.
• Maintain timely, accurate case notes and student data in our system.
• Collaborate with CIS team members and school leaders to build a culture of support.
• Represent CIS in school meetings, family engagement efforts, and community events.
• As an SSM, you’ll work on‑site every day at a traditional CPS or public charter school.

• Master’s degree required in Social Work or Counseling preferred (LSW/LPC or license‑eligible is a plus).
• 3+ years working directly with youth and families, preferably in urban public schools.
• Strong cultural humility and ability to work effectively across diverse communities.
• You’re organized, compassionate, tech‑savvy, and ready to roll up your sleeves.
• Must have reliable daily transportation.
• Must pass a background check.

• Salary range: $55,000
• Free LCSW/LCPC supervision hours for licensure.
• As part of our school‑based staff, you’ll follow a schedule that mirrors the school calendar—including holidays and extended breaks—while working an 11‑month position that supports a healthy work‑life balance.
• Training, supervision, and professional development with a mission‑driven team.
• Health and retirement benefits, PTO, and access to a citywide network of changemakers.
• The opportunity to change lives, one student, one school at a time.

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, medical condition, marital or family status, veteran or military status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago—including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.