ASPIRE Program Social Worker

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. 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!

The role of the Autism Program School Social Worker is to provide a variety of professional services
that foster students’ behavioral, emotional, social, and academic growth. An Autism Program Social
Worker promotes and supports the educational process by meeting the individual needs of students
and families within the community. This role is intended to ensure that the students within the
program are being fully supported both emotionally and socially throughout their school day.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct services to the autism program community including:
  • 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
  • Individual and group counseling (mandated) both within the classroom and in a separate setting
  • Develop and implement curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention for students with autism.
  • Evaluate and monitor individuals and families to external resources and services
  • Work closely with families to help ensure that they have easy to understand information about relevant support services and options
  • Administer records, documentation, and other compliance activities
• Serve as a Case Manager and member of Child Study Team
• Strengthen and support parent and family involvement
• Plan and deliver workshops for families of students with autism
• Work closely with the Associate Director of Special Education as well as the Autism Program Coordinator to plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
• Work closely with classroom teachers and instructional aides to ensure that a strong social curriculum is being infused throughout the school day
• Engage and partner with community agencies and resources
• Help students and their families with learning, behavior, and/or attendance concerns while strengthening home, school, and community partnerships.
• Evaluate students in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic and cultural differences
• Evaluate the configuration of factors within the home, community, and school as related to a student’s current social and academic adjustment
• Implement and enhance the autism program’s systems and culture
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• 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.
• 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 social curriculum, 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
• Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school

• Master’s degree in Social Work (Required)
• Valid School Social Worker Certification from NJDOE (Required)
• Experience working with families and students on the autism spectrum (preferred)
• 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
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non- negotiable.

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 $60,000 to $60,000. Most candidates who meet job description requirements will receive an offer of $60,000 - $74,000. 

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
  • New Jersey Pension 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.

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

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 [email protected].