School Social Worker

Why Our School is Special

If you want to work in a highly successful charter school that supports its teachers and staff, serving a student mix that is among the most diverse in America while enjoying the cultural vibrance of Jersey City, Hoboken and New York City (just 2 miles away), then apply today! We have achieved academic success without burning out our teachers and staff by meshing an effective education program with effective teacher supports and professional development. We are now hiring an additional Social Worker at our Lower Elementary School for the 2022/2023 School Year!

We truly value our faculty and work hard to control other costs so we can focus our resources on supporting them. In fact, throughout our history, we have annually increased faculty salaries by far more than at other public schools and now, among those with similar experience, OUR FACULTY MEMBERS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST PAID IN NEW JERSEY.

Position Overview

Social Workers are responsible for helping students come to school ready to learn by providing counseling and by connecting students and their families with appropriate resources in the community.

Social Workers are also a resource to school leadership and the staff on matters relevant to the social and emotional health of students.

Social Worker Responsibilities

Social Workers will be responsible for:

• Counseling students and their families to facilitate a student’s adjustment to the school;
• Consulting with school personnel regarding social adjustment factors affecting students;
• Helping students and their families work toward solutions for problems affecting a child’s readiness to learn;
• Referring parents/guardians to relevant community services or agencies when the school cannot offer appropriate help;
• Maintaining a relationship with community agencies and resources available to address students’ special needs;
• Working with the Supervisor of Special Education, Dean of Students, and Child Study Teams to identify, develop, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of Individual Education Programs for students, as appropriate;
• Communicating with parents/guardians to share information regarding educational planning and programming;
• Maintaining confidential records on all referred students and student/parent contacts in accordance with federal and state law; and
• Providing support, as needed, to students and staff during a crisis;
• Collaborating with staff in grade-level and department planning meetings, and in professional development activities;
• Assisting with tasks necessary for the successful and orderly functioning of the school (such as hallway supervision, arrival/departure transitions, field trips, and other such duties as the school leadership may request from staff); and
• Participating in events outside of normal school hours such as family nights, student performances, field trips, and teacher–parent conferences.

Social Workers will need to hold School Social Worker certification from the NJ Department of Education. We are unable to consider anyone without a NJ DOE School Social Worker Certification. Experience is a major bonus.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development

As an equal opportunity employer, Empowerment Academy hires without consideration to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.

Salary Range: 62,000-82,000