Elementary Social Worker/School Counselor (26-27)

About the role

Explore Schools is a network of public charter schools providing 1,700 students in Brooklyn with the outstanding education they deserve. Our goal is to provide students with curriculum and instruction that is both standards-aligned and culturally responsive. Our approach is designed to provide the conditions that nurture students as critical thinkers and natural problem-solvers. As an organization we are committed to engaging in work that disrupts and roots out systems and structures that perpetuate white supremacy. We intentionally seek to build and maintain a diverse and talented team that reflects the backgrounds and experiences of our students and creates an inclusive environment for all employees.

We believe that all children can learn when immersed in a rich environment full of high expectations, rigorous academics, and caring, committed adults. We believe equity and excellence are not mutually exclusive—we can meet the needs of all students in our schools, while actively engaging parents and driving toward excellent academic results. We believe it is both our privilege and responsibility to help close the opportunity gap in the Brooklyn community.

Responsibilities

• Counsel students towards managing all non-instructional factors that influence student success - social, emotional, and behavioral services as needed.
• Ensure the safety of students at all times.
• Provide individual and group counseling to at-risk and IEP students.
• Participate in the IEP process for students including referrals, IEP development, and progress monitoring.
• Create, maintain and oversee behavior modification plans.
• Provide case management services, such as managing contact and coordination with ACS as needed, conducting home visits, and providing referrals to community resources.
• Provide trainings and workshops to teachers, school staff, and families.
• Partner with families to address issues such as chronic absenteeism, temporary housing, and crisis management.
• Implement anti-bullying, tolerance, health, and sex-ed programs.
• Participate in the MTSS process.
• Work with the school leadership team to ensure that students receive high-quality social-emotional learning throughout the school day.
• Partner with the School Culture Team to ensure social-emotional needs are met.
• Administer and share results from informal assessments.
• Keep accurate & organized records of student information.
• Actively engage in identity work and necessary conversations in order to dismantle white supremacy culture.

Requirements

• Dedicated to working in communities that have historically been underserved and under-resourced.
• Committed to thoughtfully engaging in identity work necessary to take a culturally responsive approach to pedagogy and relationship-building with students and colleagues.
• Experience providing targeted and individualized counseling to students.
• Flexible - willingness to provide support as needed, and ability to provide strategic solutions when faced with changes.
• Exceptional communication skills - you effectively provide sensitive and direct information.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• New York State School Social Worker Certification, Clinical Social Worker license, Initial or Professional School Counselor Certificate, or Psychologist license (required).
• A Bachelor's degree (required).
• 1-2 years of experience working in urban schools (required).
• Understanding of IEP mandates as it relates to school counseling (required).
• Experience with Special Education Student Information System (SESIS) (preferred).

Benefits

• Competitive salary scale: Social Workers with a master's degree and 0‑10 years of experience can expect an annualized base salary of $65,520‑$98,100 for the 2026‑2027 school year; increases offered each year based on tenure, no cap on years of experience.
• Additional compensation opportunities including stipends for additional time worked and leadership opportunities, additional pay for specialized certifications, and more.
• A competitive and comprehensive benefits plan covering up to 95% of the cost for employees and their families.
• Dental and vision plans, employer‑paid disability and life insurance, parental leave benefits, flexible spending account options.
• Generous vacation time and paid holidays.
• Professional development, continuing education scholarships, referral bonuses, employee assistance program (EAP), childcare assistance.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching.
• Flexible and reflective leadership dedicated to staff development, team cohesion, and shared responsibility for decision‑making.
• Driven and passionate colleagues contributing to a professional and collaborative work environment.
• Opportunities to sit on various committees and participate in initiatives central to key organizational decisions and strategic planning.
• Professional development: weekly PD, year‑round retreats and trainings, ongoing coaching by professionals.
• Continued education support: staff eligible to receive scholarship funds towards qualifying certification costs or higher education tuition.
• Flexible work environment with the ability to choose work location during non‑student hours 1‑3 days a week when possible, within a structured 45‑hour work week.

Schedule

• Explore Schools is a network of 6 charter schools located in Canarsie, Crown Heights, and Flatbush communities of Brooklyn, NY.
• In‑person work is required.
• Standard work week is 45 hours; may occasionally exceed this.
• Physical requirements: ability to stand for at least 5 hours a day, take multiple trips up and down stairs in a day, move quickly in an emergency, and lift up to 15 pounds.