School Social Worker

Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) is located in North Philadelphia and is seeking mission-driven School Social Worker applicants. The ideal candidate will align with ECCS’s mission and enthusiasm for an excellent and equitable educational experience for all students. The growth of ECCS has led to a new initiative of student and family engagement through social work and pupil services. This program will prioritize our most at-risk students' social and emotional needs through support provided by our social workers making home visits, building rapport with families, and finding creative ways to bridge gaps between students and ECCS. It is an exciting opportunity to join a team supporting our students and families. 

Esperanza Cyber Charter School Mission

Esperanza Cyber Charter School (ECCS) prepares students in grades Kindergarten through 12 to meet the challenges of living creatively and productively in an increasingly technologically sophisticated and interconnected world. ECCS will provide students with an academically rigorous yet flexible online learning program that tailors learning experiences to each child through curriculum choices and virtual and in-person tutoring and counseling. ECCS targets underserved and at-risk students who have not always found success in traditional schools. ECCS places students on a pathway to post-secondary success. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s degree in Social Work required
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) preferred
• Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Home Visitor, or Licensed School Social Worker certification required.
• Minimum of two years experience in an urban setting with high percentages of ELD and SPED students.
• A passion for education and a belief that your zip code does not dictate your destiny.
• Desire and ability to spend a significant amount of each workweek in the field, using one’s vehicle to travel independently throughout the city and surrounding area.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Providing direct and indirect services to students, families, and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success. 
• Establish a network of community resources for students represented in Philadelphia and the greater Pennsylvania area.
• Maintaining current knowledge of federal, state, local, and ECCS policies and legislation.
• Identify student and family needs and advocate for services that meet those needs.
• Coordinate with the Pupil Services Department, Instruction, and Attendance Department to identify at-risk students. 
• Make home visits to students that lack engagement and identify barriers to attendance, academics, or school adjustment.
• Maintain communication with the Instructional Department on student needs, making necessary recommendations.
• Manage caseloads of students identified as at risk; identify and address family and student stressors that interfere with student academic success.
• Report child abuse and neglect when identified.
• Establish and maintain a reliable database of information on field visits and overall program effectiveness. 
• Assist families and students through navigating internal and external programs and services. 
• Develop social, emotional, and behavioral intervention strategies with input from students, families, and instructional staff.
• Partner with students and families with a strengths-based approach to develop preventative and problem-solving strategies. 

SKILLS:

• Communicate effectively and maintain strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues.
• Commitment to supporting and empowering students with diverse backgrounds, including an understanding of at-risk children, gifted children, and children with disabilities. 
• Possess effective decision-making, managerial, communication, and organizational skills.

 BENEFITS:

• Professional Development
• Training for the cyber environment
• Paid time off 
• 403b contribution matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Tuition Reimbursement 

All applicants must have current FBI fingerprints, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse background checks, as well as the appropriate instructional certification.