HS Social Worker - Opportunity Charter School

Belief in Every Student's Promise

At Opportunity Charter School (OCS), we hold a steadfast belief that every student can excel, irrespective of their learning differences. Beyond academic support, we are committed to offering comprehensive social-emotional support. Each grade level benefits from a designated social worker, learning specialist, and culture team member, ensuring a holistic approach to addressing our students' needs. Our overarching objective is to guide each student and equip them with a well-established academic and social foundation, as well as a profound understanding of their individual strengths and challenges.

Position Summary

Opportunity Charter School is actively seeking a dynamic and well-versed social worker who can effectively cater to the diverse needs of our exceptional student body. The ideal candidate will excel in cultivating strong, trusting relationships with students and families, fostering a welcoming and secure learning environment that promotes student growth. Additionally, they should possess experience in formulating and implementing meaningful Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Serving as an invaluable asset to our staff, the social worker will play a pivotal role in ensuring student's social emotional wellness. We are searching for a dedicated individual who not only understands but also passionately advocates for our school's vision in every interaction with stakeholders.

As a School Social Worker, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of our students. You will collaborate with educators, administrators, and families to create a positive and nurturing school environment conducive to learning and personal growth. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and contribute to the overall success of our school community.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for special education and a genuine passion for fostering a love of learning in students.
• Support the school's vision of providing a  positive and inclusive environment for all students.
• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to ensure the utilization of best practices with students.
• Collaborate with all staff regarding the educational, social, emotional, and physical needs of each student.
• Demonstrate teamwork, actively modeling cooperation and helpfulness for students
• Provide mandated and non-mandated counseling to students in your assigned caseload, addressing a range of social-emotional and behavioral needs. 
• Provide crisis intervention and support services to students in need, coordinating with external resources and agencies as necessary.
• Monitor student attendance to submit any necessary reports to outside agencies regarding attendance, as required by state and federal regulations.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to analyze and understand the underlying factors contributing to students' behavioral challenges, utilizing data-driven approaches to inform intervention strategies.
• Facilitate grade team meetings and disseminate agendas to ensure effective collaboration among staff members, fostering a supportive and cohesive team environment.
• Collaborate with teachers, learning specialists, and other school staff to integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum and promote a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Conduct regular and proactive communication with parents/guardians regarding student concerns and school-related issues.
• Proactively plan and implement comprehensive support plans to address a wide range of student needs, including academic, social-emotional learning (SEL), attendance, and behavioral concerns.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to create, implement, and regularly review individualized education plans for students with special needs.
• Attend and actively participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, contributing expertise on social-emotional development and advocating for students' needs.
• Write comprehensive Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) reports for IEP meetings, documenting students' progress and goals in collaboration with the student support team.
• Monitor students' progress toward SEL goals, providing ongoing support and adjustments to interventions as needed to maximize student success.
• Implement preventive programs and initiatives to promote mental health awareness and well-being.
• Advocate for effective communication and collaboration between home and school environments, recognizing the importance of family involvement in supporting student learning and development.
• Advocate for students' rights and access to resources within the school and community.
• Coordinate with external resources, agencies, and community partners to access additional support services and resources for students and families as needed.
• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in social-emotional learning and education through ongoing professional development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions, progress, and interventions, ensuring compliance with school policies and legal requirements.
• Promote a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment that respects and values diversity.

Benefits

• Teachers' Retirement System of the City of New York Pension (The same pension plan that is by provided by the  NYCDOE)
• OCS is one of only a few charter schools who offer TRS
• Opportunities for Per Session Pay
• Health Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Commuter Benefits
• OCS participates in NYPFL
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Type: Full-time

Starting Salary: $62,505.00 - $88,498.00 per year

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree is required. Master's degree required.
• School Social Work certification.
• Experience in a school setting (preferred)

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person