Social Worker

North Star Academy Charter School; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Pre-tax FSA/DCFSA/HSA benefits

Extensive training and development

Parental, medical, disability leave

Mental health and counseling support

Job summary

Uncommon Schools seeks a School Social Worker to provide direct services to the school community, including crisis intervention, counseling, and program development. You will collaborate with teachers, families, and community partners to support students’ learning, attendance, and well-being in an urban Newark setting.

The role requires LMSW licensure and NJDOE certification, a passion for equity, and a track record of high achievement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work with LMSW licensure (Required).
• Valid NJDOE School Social Worker Certification (Required).
• Passion to improve students’ minds and lives in/out of the classroom.
• Proven track record of high achievement.
• Self-motivated team player with collaboration skills.
• Experience in urban schools strongly preferred.
• Belief in Uncommon’s educational philosophy and core values.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Case Manager and member of the Child Study Team.
• Strengthen and support parent and family involvement.
• Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators.
• Engage with community agencies and resources.
• Assist students and families with learning, behavior, and attendance concerns.
• Evaluate students considering family history, socio-economic and cultural factors.
• Assess home, community, and school factors affecting adjustment.
• Contribute to school systems and culture.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Respond to family concerns promptly.
• Commit to professional growth.
• Participate in annual three-week staff orientation and training.
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities.
• Support hallways, arrivals, field trips, and related duties.
• Attend family nights, performances, and conferences.
• Collaborate in meetings and professional development.
• Adhere to school policies and handbook.
• Uphold Uncommon’s values and educational philosophy.
• Demonstrate commitment to student improvement.

Skills

Social Work

LMSW Licensure

School Social Work

Student Counseling

Education

Master's in Social Work

NJDOE School Social Worker Certification

Job description

Uncommon Schools is a nonprofit network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to providing an exceptional K-12 education in economically disadvantaged communities. Operating in Boston, Camden, New York City, Newark, and Rochester, we are committed to closing the college completion gap and preparing every student for college and beyond. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks, reflecting our dedication to their success. We invest deeply in our educators, offering weekly coaching, feedback, and professional development to ensure excellence in teaching and leadership. Join us to work hard, do good, and make a lasting difference!

Job Description

• Provide direct services to the school community including:
  • Crisis intervention and behavior management to expedite students’ return to classrooms for learning and to build students’ ability to meet the school’s high expectations
  • Individual and group counseling (school-based and mandated)
  • Identify and train others to identify students and family members who may benefit from regular one-on-one counseling or group counseling
  • Develop and implement curriculum for social and emotional development/intervention with students.
  • Refer, monitor, and evaluate individuals and families to external resources and services
  • Administer records, documentation, and other compliance activities

Responsibilities

• Serve as a Case Manager and member of Child Study Team
• Strengthen and support parent and family involvement
• Plan and develop school-based interventions with educators
• Engage and partner with community agencies and resources
• Help students and their families with learning, behavior, and/or attendance concerns while strengthening home, school, and community partnerships.
• Evaluate students in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic and cultural differences
• Evaluate the configuration of factors within the home, community, and school as related to a student’s current social and academic adjustment
• Implement and enhance the school’s systems and culture
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues
• Respond to family concerns promptly and effectively
• Commit to professional growth
• Participate in an annual three-week staff orientation and training
• Share responsibility for grade-level and school-wide activities
  • Help complete necessary school wide duties for the successful and orderly functioning of the school (e.g., hallway supervision, arrival/departure transitions, field trips, etc.) and other such duties as the Principal may request from time to time.
  • Attend and participate in events outside of normal school hours (e.g., family nights, student performances, field trips, report card nights, Teacher - Parent Conferences, June and August Family Saturday Orientations, etc.)
  • Collaborate with teachers in planning grade level meetings, department meetings, staff meetings, and other professional development activities
  • Adhere to the policies, standards, and school-wide responsibilities described in the School’s Faculty & Staff Handbook or as may be instituted or in effect from time to time
  • Consistently demonstrate belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core values and educational philosophy
  • Demonstrate a relentless drive to improve the minds and lives of their students in and out of school

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work + Licensure-LMSW (Required)
• Valid School Social Worker Certification from NJDOE (Required)
• Drive to improve the minds and lives of students in and out of the classroom
• Proven track-record of high achievement
• Evidence of self-motivation and willingness to be a team player
• Experience working with and in urban schools is highly preferred.
• Belief in and alignment with Uncommon’s core beliefs and educational philosophy is non-negotiable.

Additional Information

Our people are what make us Uncommon. We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits that support the personal health, wellness, and finances of our staff and their families. Our compensation philosophy values equity & fairness and attracting & retaining top talent.

Our Approach to AI and Your Application
At Uncommon Schools, we value thoughtful use of technology. Your responses should begin with your own thinking and reflect your authentic voice, experiences, and commitment to our mission. Generative AI can be used to refine or organize writing, but not to generate initial responses or replace your ideas. Every application is reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team, and we are committed to understanding the person behind the application.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is between $60,000 to $90,000.

Starting pay is determined using various factors including but not limited to relevant full-time teaching experience, education certifications, and tenure with Uncommon Schools. Candidates without full-time Teaching experience will likely have a starting salary of $60,000.

Generous paid time off inclusive of sick time, paid holidays, and ~10 weeks of paid breaks (Spring, Winter, and Summer).

Extensive, best-in-class training and development

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans + pre-tax flexible spending (FSA), dependent care (DCFSA), and health saving accounts (HSA)

Paid leave of absence options (parental, medical, disability, etc.)

Mental health and counseling support + wellness benefits

*A detailed list of all SY 26-27 benefits is located HERE .

At Uncommon, we believe that a supportive and welcoming environment helps our students, staff, and community thrive. We are dedicated to building a team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, reflective of the communities we serve---with over 70% of our staff identifying as people of color. Our organization values respect and open dialogue on important topics that shape our school culture.

As an equal opportunity employer, Uncommon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We also ensure that individuals with disabilities receive all privileges and benefits associated with employment and are provided reasonable accommodations for the interview process and to perform core job functions. If you would like to request an accommodation, please email [e-mail].