[2025-2026] Social Worker - Elementary School

KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful and rigorous schools in pursuit of a more just world. Since 1995, we have grown from a single middle school in the Bronx to a network of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward—a comprehensive program supporting students and alumni in choosing and preparing for educational and career paths aligned with their goals. KIPP NYC serves over 12,000 students and alumni with a staff of more than 1,000, 8% of whom are alumni.

About the role

School social workers support the emotional, social, academic, and character growth and well-being of KIPP NYC students and families. They play a vital role in ensuring students succeed in school and go on to lead self-sufficient, successful, and happy lives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to the school community:
  • Conduct regular one-on-one or group counseling for students and families.
  • Provide crisis intervention as needed.
  • Manage, track, and document student interactions and counseling schedules.
  • Set goals with students and track progress toward those goals.
  • Support students in working toward high school graduation, college matriculation, and self-sufficiency.
  • Collaborate and communicate daily with supervisors, colleagues, and teachers to meet students’ needs.
• Manage aspects of the referral process for social services, partnerships, and special education services:
  • Provide support and documentation for all students with IEPs.
  • Meet regularly with students who have mandated counseling on their IEPs.
  • Conduct regular assessments of current and emerging student and family needs.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with external agencies.
  • Refer individuals and families to external resources and services; report suspected child abuse to the State Central Registry when necessary.
  • Monitor and facilitate the delivery of external resources and services.
  • Administer records, documentation, and other compliance activities.
• Design and coordinate student engagement, family engagement, and family education activities:
  • Conduct home visits for newly enrolled and current students, as appropriate.
  • Organize workshops to educate families, staff, and/or students on specific issues.
  • Support the Principal, Deans, and teachers when discipline issues arise.
• Participate actively in department meetings, faculty meetings, and other meetings.
• Consult with the school’s Student Response Teams to develop comprehensive supports and interventions for students presenting challenging behaviors.
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities, including chaperoning day and overnight trips.
• Provide recommendations to staff and the leadership team on approaches to working with struggling students.
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture by discussing character education with students.
• Meet with parents (English and Spanish-speaking) regularly regarding student issues.
• Establish professional rapport and strong relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and confidentiality when working with students, parents, and staff.
• Ensure a safe, positive environment in group and one-on-one counseling sessions.
• Commit to professional growth.

Requirements

• LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
• Oral and written fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a collegial work environment and reflect the character traits we value: zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor.
• A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture.
• Documented track record of personal and professional success.
• Extensive knowledge of adolescent development.
• Experience in therapeutic modalities related to children and families from the communities KIPP NYC serves, including assessment and treatment of trauma.
• Experience working within a school environment or extensive work with teenagers and young adults.

Pay

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,829 to $142,270. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role, NYS certification and licensure, and longevity within the KIPP network.

Benefits

• Robust benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
• Generous time off: 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break.
• Up to 12 weeks of 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder Care.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance and Short-term/Long-term disability.
• Employee incentives:
  • 8 weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years.
  • Annual professional development funds.
  • Tuition reimbursement.

This role is based in NYC and may require travel to our schools.