Student Supports Manager

Overview

Student Supports Manager (SSM)

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 is the opportunity for you.

We are Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago. We focus 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) who act as on-the-ground change agents embedded in schools across the city.

This role serves CPS/Charter Schools throughout the City of Chicago. This is not 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 barriers to learning such as attendance issues, academic struggles, trauma, or behavioral challenges. You will also help lead school-wide programs that build a stronger, more supportive school community.

If you are energized by building relationships, making systems work better for kids, and creating real, lasting change, this is your kind of job.

• 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.
• Work on-site every day at a traditional CPS or public charter school.

• Master's degree 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 are 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
• Full-time (11-month) role based in a CPS school site
• 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 and includes 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.