School-Based Clinician

About Ascend

Ascend is a network of high-performing public charter schools serving students across Brooklyn. Our mission is to ensure that all students—regardless of background—have access to an education that empowers them to unlock their full potential, achieve academic excellence, and pursue a future of boundless opportunity. We cultivate rigorous learning environments where students develop critical thinking skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

At Ascend, educational equity is a driving force. We are committed to closing the achievement gap by delivering high-quality instruction, fostering a culture of high expectations, and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in college and beyond. Through this unwavering commitment, we prepare students not only to succeed academically but to seize every opportunity that lies ahead.

About the Role

School clinicians are essential members of the Student Support Services team, responsible for addressing the social, emotional, and mental health needs of students to ensure academic and personal success. Clinicians provide individual, group, and classroom-based counseling, crisis intervention, and specialized support for mandated and at-risk students. They serve as the critical link between students, families, caregivers, and school leadership, helping to identify barriers and develop solutions that foster student growth and wellbeing

Responsibilities

Direct Services

• Provide mandated and at-risk counseling sessions, including individual, group, push-in, and check-in services.
• Conduct safety assessments and crisis interventions for students experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm, or other urgent concerns.
• Develop and implement Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and Crisis Support Plans in collaboration with school leadership and families.

Family and Community Partnerships

• Build strong, trusting relationships with caregivers and families to promote student investment.
• Coordinate in-school and community-based services, maintaining updated referral resources and connections with external providers.
• Plan and facilitate workshops for caregivers as needed.
• Attend IEP meetings and parent-teacher conferences as required.

School Collaboration

• Partner with school leaders and teachers to support tiered behavioral interventions (Tier 1–3).
• Participate in MTSS meetings to problem-solve and develop support plans for students.
• Communicate student progress and goals to families, leadership, and other key stakeholders.

Professional Development

• Receive regular supervision and attend clinician cohort professional development sessions.
• Participate in school-based coaching and professional learning aligned with Ascend’s mission.
• Maintain confidentiality, licensure, and continuing education requirements.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support school operations as needed, including arrival, lunch, dismissal, bus duty, attendance outreach, assessments, and school events.

Staff and Reporting Relationships

Clinicians report to the Clinician Manager and work closely with the Assistant Principal of Student Supports, Student Services Coordinators, and school leadership teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social work, school counseling, psychology, or mental health counseling.
• Active New York State licensure (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, School Psychologist, or School Counselor).
• Strong commitment to urban education and closing the achievement gap.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with students, families, and community partners.
• Expertise in crisis intervention, counseling, and behavioral support planning.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits

Initial salary offers for this position range from $66,750 - $101,790, based on years of experience, level of licensure, and advanced degrees relevant to the role. Ascend offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement savings options; and generous vacation and school holiday schedules

Diversity at Ascend

Ascend is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community, both through our hiring practices and our focus on creating a culture and environment where diverse perspectives, ideas, and identities are valued and integrated into our way of working and educating students. Ascend staff represent a wide diversity of racial, socio-economic, gender, religious, and national identities—opening a window to the entire Ascend community on the richness of humanity. We welcome all applicants who share our mission and vision to join us in our deeply consequential work.