School Social Worker

Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) — a world-renowned education and poverty-fighting organization based in New York — seeks an enthusiastic, dedicated, and mission-aligned Social Worker to join the Social Services department at Promise Academy Charter School.

The Social Worker will bring a passion for the mission of Harlem Children’s Zone: break the cycle of intergenerational poverty with comprehensive, on-the-ground programming that builds up opportunities for children and families to thrive in school, work, and life.

Harlem Children’s Zone/Promise Academy Charter Schools Social Work Team comprises 8 Social Workers, each assigned to one of the Promise Academy Schools. The team works closely with the Principals, Administration, and other Harlem Children’s Zone entities to ensure optimal student success. The Social Work team members work to provide support and aim to help preserve families through strength-based approaches. The extent of involvement by a social worker varies and is based on many factors, including, but not limited to, the needs of the child and/or family.

Team members provide school-based counseling services, assessments, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and referral services. The Director of Social Services supervises the team and is under the HCZ Wellness and Social Services umbrella.

We are currently seeking a Certified Licensed Clinical School Social Worker (LCSW) and/or Certified Licensed School Social Worker (LMSW) for our students. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the mission of Promise Academy and HCZ, an understanding and respect for the culture of all residents of Harlem, and experience working in a school setting with a love for children.

For more information, check out Want to Work at Harlem Children’s Zone? Here’s 7 Things You Need to Know.

• Master's of Social Work Degree

• LMSW or LCSW licensing
• One or more years of relevant experience is required
• NYS School Social Work Certificate required

• MSW degree. LMSW or LCSW licensing with a minimum of one year of relevant experience is required, and an NYS School Social Work Certificate is required
• Passionate and mission-driven. Having a “Whatever It Takes” attitude is a must!
• Documented track record of personal and professional success
• Extensive knowledge of child development and interventions
• Experience in therapeutic modalities related to children and families in traditionally underserved communities, including assessment and treatment of trauma
• Experience working within a school environment or extensive work experience with children in the high-school age group
• Must have strong organizational and communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to work with parents, students, faculty, support staff, external government representatives, as well as school community groups
• Patience, social intelligence, love of learning, self-control, love, gratitude, and a sense of humor

• Lead the school’s efforts in ensuring that students are emotionally supported through strength-based, solution-focused modalities
• Provide individual and group counseling to address academic, personal, and/or interpersonal challenges, as per Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or as needed
• Work collaboratively with Principals, Administration, Special Education Team, Teachers, Staff, and HCZ entities to help develop solutions to student, group, and school-wide issues
• Coordinate services with external providers and link families to appropriate community resources as needed
• Crisis intervention, referrals, and case management services to students and families
• Conduct home and community visits as needed to assess student and family needs
• Complete documentation, progress notes, and reports as required by the state, local and federal mandates and ethical responsibilities
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement meetings/workshops involving a variety of topics and personnel
• Serve as liaison on child welfare issues and share expertise with the school team
• Attend regular staff meetings and professional development workshops
• Provide workshops to school staff and parents on a variety of areas relating to child social/emotional development
• Partic…