2025-26 Middle School Social Worker

About Us

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
• Intervene in crises using verbal de-escalation techniques
• 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
• Help develop school protocols for effective student support
• Execute necessary paperwork promptly
• Plan session lessons
• 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)
• Spanish language proficiency required
• Minimum of two years of counseling experience, preferably in an urban 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
• Confidence in the transformative power of education
• Zest, grit, hope, love, social intelligence, gratitude, and a sense of humor
• High energy level and a caring, engaging personality
• Appreciation for the development of character and virtue in children and adults
• Proficiency in leading students from diverse backgrounds
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• 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 Bronx.
• Flexible Health Coverage: A full suite of medical, dental, and vision plans designed to support diverse needs, utilizing Cigna and Anthem provider networks.
• Competitive Compensation: A salary range of $82,000 to $103,000, with pay varying within this range based on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Retirement Plans: A 403(b) plan and 401(k) retirement options with matching contributions, helping you secure your financial future while you grow with us.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, a DOE-aligned school calendar, and wellness resources to support personal renewal and sustained excellence.
  
  

At Brilla, your dedication fuels our mission, and we're here to invest in your growth, well-being, and success—from recruitment to retirement!

Please note: The above is based on the 2024-2025 plan year. You can find more information here.