School Social Worker

Mission

The mission of Philip's Academy Charter School of Paterson (PACS) is to provide a moral and rigorous education to a diverse student body, accomplished in a hands‑on, technology‑infused educational environment that embraces differentiated instruction and individual attention. This approach allows our students to attend college, while fostering a commitment to global citizenship, environmental sustainability, and personal virtue.

Under the supervision of the Director of Student Special Services, the Case Manager will perform the duties necessary to meet the case management needs of students in a school setting. Philip's staff engage in extensive professional development, collaborate with faculty and staff, promote rigorous learning opportunities, and advocate for the collective and individual interests of our students and the broader community.

• Review thoroughly the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student assigned to caseload.
• Conduct individual and group counseling for elementary school students.
• Support students with social/emotional needs.
• Connect families to community resources.
• Provide education around trauma‑informed practices.
• Ensure that appropriate services, accommodations, goals, and behavior intervention plans for each student are provided and implemented.
• Ensure all special education services are in place, including secondary and related services.
• Contact necessary secondary and related service providers to confirm service delivery.
• Coordinate the distribution of classroom accommodations, supplementary aids, and services with regular education teachers, administrators, and bus drivers.
• Send formal Notice of IEP/Eligibility Meeting to parents prior to the meeting and ensure contact regarding annual reviews, addendums, and eligibility meetings.
• Collect data for annual goals, monitor progress, and schedule IEP meetings when necessary. Re‑enlist the IEP team if progress is inconsistent.
• Coordinate statewide testing accommodations for all students with disabilities.
• Ensure all annual review IEP meetings are held before the deadline of the last meeting.
• Complete progress reports every 9 weeks and send them home to parents.
• Complete data collection and progress monitoring for IEP goals.
• Implement the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA) and New Jersey Special Education State rules.
• Follow confidentiality rules and advocate for them.
• Attend special education department meetings.

• Master's degree in Social Work.
• Valid NJ State School Social Worker Certification.
• License Social Worker (LSW) is a plus but not required.
• Effective communication in English; bilingual preferred.
• Knowledge of Social Work principles, theories, testing, methods, and proven behavior management methods.
• Experience in Child Study Team case management.
• Understanding of differentiated instruction based on student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and action plan formulation.
• Familiarity with federal and state education laws regarding students.
• Commitment to ensuring academic success for all students.
• Dedication to Philip's Academy's philosophy and mission.
• Excellent teamwork, work ethic, and organizational skills.
• Integrity, gentle spirit, strong moral character, and initiative.
• Technological proficiency: word processing, data management, and information retrieval.
• Background check through the New Jersey Department of Education.
• CPR, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogen certification or willingness to obtain certification upon hire.
• Complete Tuberculosis test and physical with physician documentation.
• Physical ability to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry students up to 70 lbs.
• Dependable transportation.

Salary Range: $60,000 - $70,000

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid personal and sick leave, life insurance, retirement plans (pension & 403B), tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness program, and employee referral program.

Philip's Academy Charter Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.