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Company Description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. With over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color, we exemplify diversity, equity, and inclusion. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school;
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture;
• Provide consistent rewards and/or consequences for student behavior to ensure that students observe the school’s core values, high expectations, and strict code of conduct;
• Implement activities to help students meet academic and social standards
• Implement assessments that measure progress towards academic and social standards;
• Be 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, etc.) and other such duties as the Principal may request from time to time;
• Provide appropriate supervision of students during class, breaks, meals, specials, and transitions to maintain an optimal work environment and to ensure students’ safety and well-being;
• Attend and participate in events outside of normal school hours (e.g., family nights, student performances, field trips, report card nights, Teacher - Parent Conferences, June and August Family Saturday Orientations, etc.);
• Collaborate with teachers in planning grade level meetings, department meetings, staff meetings, and other professional development activities;
• 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 Uncommon’s core values and educational philosophy;
• Seek state social worker certification on a timeline determined by the Principal;
• Provide direct services to the school community including:
• Provide crisis intervention and behavior management to expedite students’ return to classrooms for learning and to build students’ ability to meet the school’s high expectations
• Provide one-on-one counseling or group counseling as needed to students and families.
• Coordinate school meetings with families;
• Identify and train others to identify students and family members who may benefit from regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling;
• Develop and implement curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention with students.
• 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:
  • Monthly Family meetings
  • Home visits and records procurement for newly enrolled students;
  • Workshops to educate families, staff, and/or students on specific issues; and
  • Pot Lucks, Family Nights, and other community-building events.

Qualifications

• 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;
• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree is preferred; (Master’s degree in Social Work is required in NJ) and
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred.
• Valid State Certification is helpful but not required (Valid School Social Worker Endorsement is required in NJ)
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.
• In order to apply for a Social Worker position in one of our NYC schools, candidates must be New York State certified in at least one of the following areas 1) School Counselor 2)  licensed master of social work (LMSW) 3) licensed clinician of social work (LCSW). These are the only 3 certifications that can provide IEP mandated services which is a requirement to become a Social Worker at Uncommon.

Must have one of these licenses before starting employment:

MASS BOARD OF REGISTRATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS

Post-MSW Degree:

• LCSW
• LICSW

Post-Bachelor’s Degree in any field:

• LSWA
• LSW

MASS BOARD OF ALLIED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Post-Master’s Degree in Counseling/Psychology:

• LMFT
• LMHC

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $57,000 to $89,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $57,000 - $62,000. 

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant professional development, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. 

Benefits

• Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and 10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer). 
• Extensive, best-in-class training and development  
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)
• Financial Planning
  • Pension through Mass. Teachers Retirement System  
  • 403(b) retirement savings program 
• Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)
• Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all benefits is located HERE. 

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.