School Social Worker

Brilla Schools; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Community events

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Brilla Schools in the Bronx seeks a licensed social worker to provide direct counseling services under IEP directives. You will collaborate with students, families, and teachers to support social, emotional, and behavioral growth within a structured, caring environment.

The role emphasizes Tier II/III counseling, crisis support, and coordination with school teams to ensure timely interventions and referrals. Strong communication and a commitment to Brilla’s mission are essential.

Qualifications

• LCSW or LMSW is required (supervision provided as needed).
• Minimum of two years of counseling experience in an urban elementary or middle school setting.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide mandated and at-risk counseling for academic, personal, and interpersonal challenges.
• Collaborate with teachers and families to support student achievement and well-being.
• Develop and implement MTSS interventions and Tier II/III counseling plans.
• Maintain confidential clinical records and documentation.

Skills

LCSW/LMSW

Counseling

Urban school experience

Communication

Documentation

Job description

Brilla Schools, a growing K-8 network in the Bronx, serves over 2,000 students with plans to expand to educate 3,000 across four elementary and four middle schools. Managed by Seton Education Partners, Brilla Schools are dedicated to forming students of strong wisdom and virtue. Our classically inspired approach to education combines a content-rich curriculum, inquiry-driven learning, and a focus on virtues, while providing individualized support to meet each child’s unique needs. A national leader in character education and supporting students with varying needs, over the past two years, Brilla alumni have secured spots in the most prestigious high schools in the tri-state area, earning over $3 million in scholarships and financial aid. Our staff are mission-aligned change-makers who believe in fostering a joyful, rigorous learning environment, and Brilla offers some of the most competitive salaries in the market to honor their dedication. With high expectations and a supportive community, we’re preparing students to excel in high school, college, and beyond.

Position Overview The Social Worker provides direct counseling services to students according to what is mandated on their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Supervised by the Assistant Principal of Student Services, the Social Worker demonstrates high expectations for the achievement and conduct of all students, fostering a safe, joyful, and nurturing learning environment in which students thrive. The Social Worker is responsible for working with students, families, and teachers to provide a social, emotional, holistic approach relating to student achievement and health. The Social Worker collaborates with teachers across all grades to share strategies and to ensure interventions for students on their caseloads are in place at a classroom level. Additionally, the Social Worker implements Tier II at-risk group counseling, as well as Tier III at-risk individual counseling. The Social Worker assists families by connecting them with outside resources when support beyond the school is warranted.

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

• Provide mandated and at-risk individual and group counseling for academic, personal, and interpersonal challenges
• Demonstrate knowledge or the ability to make referrals for students in need of additional services or alternative placements
• Create a proactive counseling program to prevent crises and support an academically rich environment
• Collaborate with the MTSS team to determine and create tiered intervention plans for scholars
• Implement successful counseling strategies for discipline, social and emotional development, and conflict mediation
• Form successful partnerships with community-based organizations and other entities providing social and emotional support to students
• Manage, track, and document student interactions and counseling schedules
• Lead efforts to ensure students have the emotional support necessary for academic, social, and emotional success
• Partner with students, families, teachers, and staff to overcome barriers impacting academic, social, and emotional success
• Guide teachers and staff in addressing student issues effectively
• Supervise school social work intern(s), providing guidance and support
• Execute necessary paperwork promptly
• Evaluate and re-evaluate short-term behavioral and academic objectives for students with ongoing behavior plans
• Lead discussions among students on behavior, emotional health, and social skills
• Develop and maintain consistent communication with families about strategies to support their child
• Maintain regular communications with parents and guardians and serve as a resource on home issues impacting student success
• Manage crisis situations and be on call as needed
• Provide support and modeling to staff in behavior intervention strategies
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with diverse backgrounds
• Provide support with the creation, completion, and implementation of FBAs and BIPs
• Contribute to school culture through consistent attendance at school and Brilla-sponsored activities
• Organize and manage time efficiently
• Serve as a professional resource for school staff in crisis support
• Make home visits and work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Participate in the creation of IEPs, serving as an advocate for students
• Maintain clinical records on case-management services
• Facilitate topic-specific groups, workshops, and drop-in discussions focused on supporting with mental health
• Serve as a liaison and advocate among student, home, school, and community resources
• Commit to being available by phone after school hours until 7:00 p.m. as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• LCSW or LMSW required (Supervision provided as needed)
• Minimum of two years of counseling experience, preferably in an urban elementary or middle school setting
• Unwavering commitment to the educational mission of the Brilla Schools Network
• Strong competence in behavior management, instructional skills, oral and written communication, organizational skills, and interpersonal relations
• Dedication to providing all students with an academically robust, inspiring, and joyful learning experience
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to build, monitor, and maintain systems improving organizational efficiency
• Thriving in a fast‑paced environment with flexibility to work independently or take direction as needed
• Appreciation for the Classical liberal arts educational tradition (preferred)
• Passion for contributing to a team‑oriented, mission‑driven school culture

Benefits At Brilla Schools, we celebrate the unique skills, experiences, and passions that each staff member brings to our mission. To support their work, we offer a thoughtfully designed benefits package to provide competitive and adaptable coverage. We are committed to offering a benefits portfolio that supports the holistic health and wellness of our team members including:

• Comprehensive Professional Development: More than 225 hours annually, featuring two weeks of onboarding, coaching, and targeted training sessions to ensure staff excel in their roles and flourish.
• Community and Culture: An intentionally joyful workplace with over 30 bonding events each year, fostering connection and collaboration among staff and families in the