School Social Worker/School Counselor (Middle school)

Our Commitment:

Amber Charter Schools understands specific groups are subject to marginalization. We believe these powerful groups should be centered in our community and are highly encouraged to apply. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation/affectional preference, gender (including gender nonconformity, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, and gender identity or expression), sexual and reproductive health decisions, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship, age, familial status, partnership status, caregiver status, pregnancy status, uniformed service, military and veteran status, employment status, disability, political affiliation, height, weight or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law, rule or regulation.

Position Summary

The Middle School Social Worker/School Counselor plays a key role in cultivating a safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive school environment for our students in grades 5-8. This position provides both direct and indirect services to address social-emotional needs, remove barriers to learning, and promote student well-being and academic success. The School Social Worker/School Counselor will collaborate with families, school teams, and community-based organizations to provide comprehensive, wraparound supports that empower every student to thrive.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to support students’ emotional, behavioral, and social development.
• Deliver mandated counseling services as indicated by students’ IEPs.
• Conduct needs assessments and implement targeted intervention plans for students facing challenges.
• Serve as an active member of the school’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) team, collaborating with teachers, counselors, and school leadership to ensure effective student support.
• Lead crisis response and intervention efforts, including risk assessments, safety plans, and short-term support.
• Facilitate ongoing family engagement and outreach, connecting families with appropriate school and community-based resources.
• Act as a liaison among students, families, staff, and external service providers to ensure cohesive and coordinated care.
• Design and facilitate professional development for staff on trauma-informed practices, mental health awareness, and classroom strategies to support student well-being.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date student records in compliance with school policy and legal requirements.
• Support 8th-grade students and families through the high school application and transition process, particularly those with social-emotional needs.
• Lead and continuously refine the Middle School Advisory Program in collaboration with school staff.
• Supervise student transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, and/or recess as needed, ensuring a safe and orderly environment.

Required Experience and Qualifications 

• 2 years of experience working with middle school students in a school or clinical setting.
• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Licensed in New York State (LMSW or LCSW). 
• New York State certification in School Counseling.
• Deep understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and restorative practices.
• Proven success supporting culturally and linguistically diverse students and families.
• Strong crisis management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to contextualize student experiences and provide individualized, strength-based support.
• A collaborative approach to decision-making and team-based problem-solving.
• Ability to build relationships grounded in trust, respect, and shared goals.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Strong command of all Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs.
• Completion and pass pre-employment Fingerprinting and Reference check process
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with children, families, and educators in a school setting.
• Prior experience in an urban charter or traditional public school setting.
• Ability to speak, write, and understand Spanish fluently.

Amber’s Expectations

• Regular attendance and punctuality  
• Maintain a professional appearance 
• Organizational fit for Amber culture, that is, exhibit the Amber Traits of Achievement, Community, Responsibility, Honesty and Respect  

 Equipment

• Laptop  and office equipment 

Work Environment/Physical Effort:  

• Regularly required to sit, stand for long periods of time, walk, climb stairs, speak loudly and clearly, visually observe, hear, operate a computer, and other classroom, school, and office equipment, reach with hands and arms, bend down, and must occasionally lift, move and/or support up to 20 pounds. Work is being performed in a traditional multi-floor school environment with limited to no elevator access.

Work Schedule

• 10-month work schedule

Compensation

• Amber Charter Schools strictly follow a salary schedule for each role to ensure our continued commitment towards pay equity. The expected salary range for this role is $64,798 - $104,163 depending on verified relevant work experience, highest level of completed education, and required certifications and/or licenses for the role. This is an exempt position.

Who We Are:

In addition to Amber’s competitive salaries, Amber offers opportunities for supplemental compensation, an excellent benefits package starting on day 1,  including medical plans averaging a $55 employee contribution monthly for single coverage (with dependent options available and averaging $92-$124 per month), dental & vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with an organization-paid contribution after 1-year, various supplemental benefit options such as life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, pre-tax commuter & transit benefits and flexible spending/health reimbursement accounts, longevity and referral bonuses, generous paid time off, access to a federal student loan debt reduction program, professional development and a friendly work environment.