School Social Worker (2026-2027 School Year)

About the role

YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter School is a tuition-free, public charter high school focused on supporting youth aged 17-20 who have been pushed out of traditional schools. The school uses a restorative-justice approach to discipline, weekly community meetings, and school-wide service projects to build a supportive community.

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to address students’ social, emotional and behavioral concerns and provide group guidance and social skills activities.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required in supporting students’ social, emotions and behavioral needs.
• Be the lead counselor and facilitator for students with substance abuse, ensuring students are referred to agencies to support their needs.
• Provide crisis counseling to students experiencing mental health and/or social service emergencies.
• Provide crisis intervention and advise on behavior management strategies to expedite students’ return to classrooms for learning and to build students’ the school’s expectations and as a referral source for students when social-emotional challenges are escalated.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents and other professionals to develop comprehensive support plans for students, including participation in IEP meetings to facilitate communication regarding student needs, where appropriate.
• Collaborate with other school staff members to develop and implement strategies for addressing school-wide social-emotional issues.
• Facilitate the SAP meeting ensuring agendas, minutes and next steps are updated, communicated and complete.
• Assist students in setting and achieving academic goals, exploring career interests, and selecting an appropriate pathway during YouthBuild’s program and post-secondary planning.
• Facilitate learners’ ability to achieve their potential by helping them set and attain challenging social-emotional goals.
• Deliver behavior management and de-escalation techniques to create a safe school environment for all students.
• Participate as a member of the IEP team and support with the coordination and implementation of special education services.
• Refer students and families to appropriate community agencies.
• Facilitate child abuse reporting, including supporting mandated reports when needed, and to communicate with Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services.
• Provide students and families access to community resources.
• Facilitate student support system information and support groups as needed.
• Conduct home and community visits as needed to assess and support student and family needs.

Requirements

• Master of Social Work degree from an accredited college or university and a LSW or LCSW.
• PA Department of Education’s School Social Worker certificate (CSPG 20), strongly preferred.
• Three to five years’ experience in school social work (preferred) and/or case-management, utilizing appropriate principles and techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of local services, supports and community resources available to Philadelphia Youth.

Qualifications

• Equity-focused and believe that all students can achieve.
• Passionate about community service and civic engagement.
• Collaborative and dedicated to personal and professional development.
• Strong commitment to helping young adults succeed in reorienting their lives, nurturing their leadership skills, and enabling them to make a difference in their community.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and restorative practices.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Benefits

• Generous time off
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) savings plan with an employer match
• Employer paid parental leave, life insurance, short-term disability and long-term disability
• Educational assistance and professional development opportunities

Pay

New YouthBuild Coordinator level staff can expect a starting salary of between $60,000 - $72,000 based on years of experience, education, and certifications, if applicable.

Schedule

Full-Time, 10 Month Position