School Social Worker (26-27 SY)

At Destine Preparatory, we believe every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and challenged to reach their full potential. We are seeking a School Social Worker (11-months, August-June) who is deeply committed to students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth and who wants to be part of a collaborative, equity-centered school community.

This role is ideal for a social worker who thrives in schools, values strong partnerships with families and staff, and brings both empathy and structure to their work with students.

Role Overview

The School Social Worker provides individual and group counseling to students whose social, emotional, or behavioral needs impact their success in school. You will work closely with students, families, teachers, and school leaders to remove barriers to learning and help students build the skills they need to thrive academically and personally.

What You’ll Do

Student & Family Support

• Provide individual and small-group counseling aligned to school-based needs.
• Conduct social history evaluations and updates as required.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed.
• Engage families as partners in their children’s school adjustment and success.
• Offer family education and training, and connect families to community-based resources.

School-Based Collaboration

• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and the Culture Team to strengthen student culture and behavior supports.
• Design and implement positive behavioral interventions, tiered supports, and behavior plans.
• Participate in Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, including eligibility determinations and service recommendations.
• Consult and collaborate with external mental health providers, social service agencies, and community partners.

Professional Practice & Growth

• Communicate regularly with school leadership and staff to problem-solve around student needs.
• Maintain accurate documentation and handle confidential information with care and discretion.
• Participate in professional development and contribute to a reflective, feedback-driven culture.
• Support school-wide initiatives tied to continuous improvement, data collection, and equity work.

Who You Are

You are a grounded, reflective professional who brings both compassion and high expectations to your work. You believe behavior change takes time, practice, and consistency, and you approach students and families with patience, empathy, and respect.

You bring:

• Strong knowledge of therapeutic approaches such as CBT and solution-focused practices.
• Confidence in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and high-stress situations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced school environment with multiple stakeholders.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build trusting relationships across teams.
• A deep commitment to racial equity, anti-racism, and educational justice.

Core Competencies We Value

• Student-centered counseling and mental health assessment
• Crisis response and emotional regulation strategies
• Data-informed decision-making
• High emotional intelligence and self-awareness
• Adaptability, reflection, and openness to feedback
• Strong project management and follow-through
• Discretion with sensitive and confidential information

Education & Experience

Required

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution
• Valid NYS Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Eligible for certification as a NYS School Social Worker
• Commitment to working in an inclusive, diverse school community

Preferred

• NYS School Social Worker certification
• NYS Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LCSW-R)
• Prior experience as a school social worker
• Either Certification in TCIS and/or certified as a trainer for TCIS.
• Experience in charter or public schools and urban communities

Our Commitment

Destine Preparatory is committed to furthering anti-racism, equity, and racial justice in all aspects of our work. We expect all team members to engage in this effort as we work together to create a future without limits for our students.

We comply with all applicable charter, federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including those of the NYS Department of Education, Department of Health, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services.