Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing, public charter schools providing an outstanding K-12 education in historically under-resourced communities. We have proudly built schools that reflect our student population, with more than 60% of our teachers and staff across our network identifying as a person of color. Uncommon currently manages 53 schools serving more than 20,000 students in five cities: Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester. We are proud that Uncommon graduates persist in and graduate from college at five times the rate of their peers nationally. We achieve this by offering strong academic, co-curricular, and social-emotional learning that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

Uncommon Schools in Brooklyn currently manages twenty four schools serving students in grades K through 12. We believe in strong authentic relationships between teachers and students, supported by effective school systems and an engaging instructional model that enables students to flourish academically and personally. Our students in Brooklyn have an impressive  99% college acceptance rate.

Job Description

The school Social Worker coordinates special education programs in accordance with federal, state, and local laws; conducts evaluations for students referred for learning and/or behavior assessments; develops instructional and behavior interventions and monitors progress for individuals and groups of students; provides individual or group counseling to students as needed; and plans and executes school-wide programming and events. 

In addition to the duties set forth below, the Employee agrees that s/he will perform all the other duties that are assigned by his/her supervisors, the school’s Principal and the Principal’s designees, and/or the Board of Trustees, including, but not limited to:

• Taking all steps required by the school to ensure that the Employee becomes highly qualified and certified which includes holding a bachelor’s degree and full-state certification or licensure;
• Being present and engaged from 7:00AM- 5:00PM Monday through Friday each week of the school year;
• Providing appropriate supervision of students during class, breaks, meals and transitions to maintain an optimal work environment and to ensure students’ safety and well-being;
• Planning, attending and participating in events outside of normal school hours as needed (e.g., family nights, student performances, field trips, report card nights, Teacher - Parent Conferences, June and August Family Saturday Orientations, etc.).

The Employee’s duties shall be to:

• Demonstrate a strong drive to improve the minds and lives of his/her students in and out of school.
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture.
• Implement activities to help students meet academic and social standards.
• Implement assessments that measure progress towards academic and social standards.
• Hold themselves accountable for students’ mastery of academic and community standards.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Engage families in their children’s education.
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively.
• Commit to professional growth.
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training.
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities.
• Help complete necessary school-wide duties for the successful and orderly functioning of the school (e.g., hallway supervision, arrival/departure transitions, field trips, bus duty, etc.) and other such duties as the Principal may request from time to time.
• Participate collaboratively in planning with teachers, grade level meetings, department meetings, staff meetings, and other professional development activities.
• Provide instruction in the school’s core reading program on a regular basis and in other subjects as needed.
• Work closely with the Dean of Students and Families to reinforce behavioral expectations and work with families as a partner in their child’s school success at the school.
• Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the school’s Faculty & Staff Handbook or as may be instituted or in effect from time to time.
• Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with the school’s Creed and educational philosophy.
• Seek state social worker certification on a timeline determined by the Principal.
• Provide direct services to the school community including:
  • Providing crisis intervention and behavior management to build students’ ability to meet the school’s high expectations.
  • Providing one-on-one counseling or group counseling as needed to students and families.
  • Coordinating school meetings with families.
  • Identifying and training others to identify students and family members who may benefit from regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling.
  • Developing and implementing curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention with students.
• Work with the Principal to partner with external social service agencies (e.g., Administration for Children’s Services) and develop protocols to engage those services as needed
• Manage administrative and appropriate direct-service elements of the referral process for social services and special education services including:
  • Conducting regular needs-assessments of current and emerging student and family needs.
  • Using needs-assessments to identify and cultivate internal and external resources and services.
  • Referring individuals and families to external resources and services.
  • Monitoring and facilitating the delivery of external resources and services.
  • Evaluating impact and quality of external resources and services.
  • Administering records, documentation, and other compliance activities.
• Partner with the Dean of Students to design and coordinate family-engagement and family-education activities including:
  • Home visits and records procurement for newly enrolled students.
  • Workshops to educate families, staff, and/or students on specific issues.
  • Potlucks, FIC/FFA Meetings, and other community-building events.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (Required)
• Valid School Social Worker Certification from NJDOE (Required)
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Proven track-record of high achievement
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Our people are what makes us Uncommon.  We believe our compensation philosophy and benefits should reflect our values—equity, transparency, and clarity—to enhance our ability to attract and retain talent and reward their expertise.  Our staff receive best-in-class training, coaching, and support to develop and operate mission-driven schools that provide a high-quality education to our students and families.

Compensation for this position: Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $56,000-$60,000. The starting compensation for this role is between $56,000 to $77,000.  The starting pay will depend on various factors including but not limited to relevant professional experience, education, certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. To receive an offer at the top of the range, candidates will need significant experience in a directly aligned role.  Because we value staff tenure in a role, we do not currently cap salary ranges for current staff members. 

Other Benefits:

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time and school breaks (spring, winter, and summer) + additional sustainability half days throughout the school year
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Choice of 3 comprehensive health insurance plans
• Pre-tax flexible spending and health saving accounts
• Financial planning & wellness
  • New Jersey Pension program
  • 529 college savings program
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness application assistance
  • Financial  planning tools and assistance
• Dependent Care FSA, back up childcare and daycare discounts
• Paid leave of absence 
  • Fully paid parental leave
  • Fully paid medical leave
  • Additional paid Short Term and Long Term Disability insurance 
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

Uncommon believes in the importance of being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that enables our students and staff to thrive. We are committed to building an exceptional team that reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students. We also strive to ensure an inclusive community by creating a space for meaningful dialogue about issues of race and identity for our staff and students. As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment 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. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email recruitment@uncommonschools.org.