RI Social Worker (2026-27)

Achievement First; Rhode Island; On-site; USD 50,600 - 89,898; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

403(b) retirement package with match

Paid family leave

Job summary

Achievement First in Rhode Island is seeking a dedicated Social Worker to provide essential emotional support to students. This role involves collaborating with students, parents, and school staff to foster an academically and socially supportive environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree in social work or a related field and have a history of working with children in urban communities. Competitive salaries ranging from $50,600 to $89,898 along with comprehensive benefits are offered for full-time employees.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work, school counseling, or psychology preferred.
• 2 years of experience with children and families in urban communities preferred.
• LCSW preferred; must be licensed and hold School Social Worker certification.

Responsibilities

• Support students academically and emotionally through counseling.
• Organize conflict resolution and anger management meetings.
• Serve as the point person for counseling issues in the school.
• Develop relationships with community organizations for outreach.
• Attend professional development workshops and staff meetings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Flexibility

Maturity and strong work ethic

Education

Master's degree in social work or related field

Bachelor's degree in social work

Job description

Immediate Opening

Role of a Social Worker at Achievement First

The school social worker leads the school's efforts to ensure that students have the emotional support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Social workers collaborate and partner with students, parents, and members of the school staff. The position reports jointly to the Director of Special Services and the principal of the building in which they work.

School Year

2026-27

Responsibilities of Achievement First Social Workers

Student Culture and Character Development

• Support the rules, systems, academic, and behavioral philosophy of Achievement First schools through counseling in one‑on‑one and small group support sessions.
• Create a proactive counseling program that prevents crises and supports the academically rich environment of the school.
• Work closely with the Dean of Students to create and maintain a culture of excellence for all students.
• Serve on special education committees to provide required IEP services.
• Organize and/or teach health education, sexual education, leadership, alcohol/drug prevention, etc. as needed.
• Help maintain school and staff morale by organizing school‑wide events.

Management

• Organize, plan, and regularly schedule student meetings around conflict resolution and anger management.
• Serve as the point person for all counseling issues that arise in the student body.
• Meet with individual students who require counseling on their IEPs.
• Use evidence‑based practice to effectively develop treatment and intervention plans for students and families.
• Maintain close contact with teachers regarding student behavioral plans.
• Serve as the liaison to the school’s parent organization.
• Keep impeccable records of all school‑related actions and initiatives.

Local and Parent Outreach

• Develop relationships with community organizations that can help support the school, students, and their families.
• Serve as a liaison between students/families and local social service agencies when necessary.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of external services and resources.
• Visit homes of Achievement First families when necessary.

Professional Development

• Attend all staff meetings and professional development workshops.
• Model the schools REACH (Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work) values and set the standard for professional behavior.
• Work closely with teachers to help them better understand and relate with challenging students.
• Lead workshops around issues of physical and social development in an effort to proactively address issues.

Skills And Characteristics

• History of professional success in planning, executing, and monitoring treatment plans.
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Flexibility – the ability to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model.
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and roll‑up‑my‑sleeves attitude.

Educational Background And Work Experience

• Master’s degree in social work, school counseling, or school psychology preferred; Bachelor’s degree in social work required.
• 2 years of previous experience with children and/or families in urban communities highly preferred.
• LCSW preferred; Candidates must be licensed (LSW) and hold School Social Worker certification (13003).

Compensation & Benefits

• Employees at Achievement First are provided with a competitive salary. Our salaries are set through a lens of equity and based on an individual’s skills, education, and years of experience relevant to the role. Social Worker salaries in RI range from $50,600 to $89,898.
• As a regular full‑time employee of Achievement First, you will be eligible for benefits that include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement benefit package with match and paid family leave.