2024-25 Middle School Social Worker

About Us

Brilla Public Charter Schools is a network of K-8th grade schools that currently serves 1,800 students from Mott Haven, University Heights, and other neighborhoods in the Bronx. The network is growing from its current four elementary and two middle schools to five elementary and five middle schools educating some 4,000 students in the Bronx and Paterson, NJ. The Charter Management Organization (CMO) for Brilla Schools Network is Seton Education Partners, an organization inspired by the Catholic educational tradition, that also manages the Seton Teaching Fellows missionary program and El Camino, an optional after-school Catholic faith formation program. At the heart of the Seton educational mission is our dedication to help students become young men and women of good character and spirit who are prepared for excellence in high school, college, and beyond. 

Brilla combines a Classical approach to education – an emphasis on a content-rich curriculum, inquiry-driven instruction, and virtue formation that fosters an appreciation of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness – with individualized instructional support. We approach the formation of our students holistically and maintain high academic expectations. Ours is a joyful community that honors the dignity of each student, our staff members, and the families we serve.

Position Overview

The Social Worker provides direct counseling  services to students according to what is mandated on their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Supervised by the Assistant Principal of Student Services, the Social Worker demonstrates high expectations for the achievement and conduct of all students, fostering a safe, joyful, and nurturing learning environment in which students thrive. The Social Worker is responsible for working with students, families, and teachers to provide a social, emotional, holistic approach relating to student achievement and health. The Social Worker collaborates with teachers across all grades to share strategies and to ensure interventions for students on their caseloads are in place at a classroom level. Additionally, the Social Worker implements Tier II at-risk group counseling, as well as Tier III at-risk individual counseling. The Social Worker assists families by connecting them with outside resources when support beyond the school is warranted. 

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

• Provide mandated and at-risk individual and group counseling for academic, personal, and interpersonal challenges
• Demonstrate knowledge or the ability to make referrals for students in need of additional services or alternative placements
• Create a proactive counseling program to prevent crises and support an academically rich environment
• Collaborate with the MTSS team to determine and create tiered intervention plans for scholars
• Implement successful counseling strategies for discipline, social and emotional development, and conflict mediation
• Form successful partnerships with community-based organizations and other entities providing social and emotional support to students 
• Intervene in crises using verbal de-escalation techniques
• Manage, track, and document student interactions and counseling schedules
• Lead efforts to ensure students have the emotional support necessary for academic, social, and emotional success
• Partner with students, families, teachers, and staff to overcome barriers impacting academic, social, and emotional success
• Guide teachers and staff in addressing student issues effectively
• Supervise school social work intern(s), providing guidance and support
• Help develop school protocols for effective student support
• Execute necessary paperwork promptly
• Plan session lessons
• Evaluate and re-evaluate short-term behavioral and academic objectives for students with ongoing behavior plans
• Lead discussions among students on behavior, emotional health, and social skills
• Develop and maintain consistent communication with families about strategies to support their child
• Maintain regular communications with parents and guardians and serve as a resource on home issues impacting student success
• Manage crisis situations and be on call as needed
• Provide support and modeling to staff in behavior intervention strategies
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with diverse backgrounds
• Provide support with the creation, completion, and implementation of FBAs and BIPs
• Contribute to school culture through consistent attendance at school and Brilla-sponsored activities
• Organize and manage time efficiently
• Serve as a professional resource for school staff in crisis support
• Make home visits and work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Participate in the creation of IEPs, serving as an advocate for students
• Maintain clinical records on case-management services
• Facilitate topic-specific groups, workshops, and drop-in discussions focused on supporting with mental health
• Serve as a liaison and advocate among student, home, school, and community resources
• Commit to being available by phone after school hours until 7:00 p.m. as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• LCSW or LMSW required (Supervision provided as needed)
• Spanish language proficiency required
• Minimum of two years of counseling experience, preferably in an urban school settingUnwavering commitment to the educational mission of the Brilla Schools Network
• Strong competence in behavior management, instructional skills, oral and written communication, organizational skills, and interpersonal relations
• Dedication to providing all students with an academically robust, inspiring, and joyful learning experience
• Confidence in the transformative power of education
• Zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor
• High energy level and a caring, engaging personality
• Appreciation for the development of character and virtue in children and adults
• Proficiency in leading students from diverse backgrounds
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Ability to build, monitor, and maintain systems improving organizational efficiency
• Thriving in a fast-paced environment with flexibility to work independently or take direction as needed
• Appreciation for the Classical liberal arts educational tradition (preferred)
• Passion for contributing to a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture

​The base pay range for this position is 79,000 - 95,000 per year in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Pay may vary within the stated range, depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.