School Social Worker

STRIVE Charter School is seeking a compassionate, proactive School Social Worker to support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of our kindergarten through fourth-grade students.

The primary focus of this position is direct work with children: providing individual and small-group counseling, teaching social-emotional skills, and helping students successfully participate in classroom learning. The School Social Worker will collaborate closely with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, teachers, and special education team to develop practical, consistent supports for students.

This role also offers the opportunity to help build STRIVE’s student-support program and supervise graduate social work interns as university partnerships are established.

• Provide individual and small-group counseling to students experiencing emotional, behavioral, social, or adjustment difficulties.
• Help children develop emotional regulation, coping strategies, self-awareness, problem-solving skills, and positive peer relationships.
• Plan and teach developmentally appropriate social-emotional learning lessons in collaboration with classroom teachers and the specialists’ schedule.
• Observe students in classrooms, identify support needs, and collaborate with staff on individualized interventions and positive behavior supports.
• Provide timely crisis support and de-escalation, working with school leadership to develop safety plans and support students’ successful return to learning.
• Partner with families to reinforce strategies at home and connect them with appropriate community resources when needed.
• Coordinate with the special education team and DOE counseling providers to support students with IEPs and ensure services are aligned.
• Maintain accurate, confidential counseling records, intervention plans, and progress documentation; use this information to evaluate and adjust student supports.
• Help establish university practicum partnerships and supervise MSW interns, including regular supervision, learning plans, and evaluations consistent with university requirements.
• Support staff learning around child development, trauma-informed practices, emotional regulation, and effective responses to student needs.
• Uphold professional ethics, confidentiality, mandated reporting responsibilities, and applicable standards of practice.

• Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
• Active New York State LMSW or LCSW license and current registration.
• New York State School Social Worker certification, or eligibility to obtain certification before beginning the role.
• At least two years of professional social work experience following completion of the MSW.
• Experience supporting children and families, with a strong understanding of early childhood and elementary-age development.
• Completion of, or willingness to enroll in, a Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI) consistent with university requirements before supervising interns.
• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and documentation skills.
• Ability to respond calmly to challenging situations and build trusting relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive practices and supporting students with diverse learning and developmental needs.

• LCSW licensure.
• Experience in an elementary school or charter school.
• Experience with SEL instruction, special education collaboration, and positive behavioral interventions.
• Previous experience supervising social work interns.

Seven weeks of total paid time off annually, inclusive of vacation, holidays, school breaks, sick leave, and personal leave, administered in accordance with school policy and applicable law.

STRIVE Charter School is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.