School Social Worker (26-27 SY)

• About Freire Schools Established in 1999, Freire Schools (www.freireschools.org) is a network of four charter schools across Philadelphia and Delaware whose mission is to prepare students from historically underserved communities for success in college and beyond.
• We’re distinguished by our belief in every student who walks through our doors, our strong code of conduct and commitment to peace that ensures a safe environment for all, our sense of family throughout our community, and our joyous and engaged classrooms that focus on academic achievement.
• As evidence of our impact, in 2023 Stanford’s Center for Research on Education Outcomes ranked Freire Schools in the top 15 in the country for academic gains out of 368 charter networks nationwide.
• About the team For this School Social Worker position, you'll be working at Freire Charter Middle School in Center City Philadelphia, serving students in grades 5–8.
• As Freire Schools’ youngest Dragons, our middle school students are building the academic foundation and habits they need to thrive in a rigorous, college-preparatory high school.
• At Freire Middle School, we hold high expectations for what is possible in middle school and approach our work with a strong growth mindset, academic rigor, and deep care for students.
• We are committed to peace at all levels of our community and to creating a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where every student can learn and grow.
• Freire Charter Middle School: 1026 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 What you’ll do As a School Social Worker, you’ll be a critical member of our student support team, working closely with students, families, teachers, and administrators to remove barriers to learning and promote student success.
• You will provide direct support to students through individual and group counseling, connect families to essential community resources, and help create a positive, inclusive school culture.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counseling to students with social-emotional or behavioral needs Serve as the school-level point of contact in implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. You'll aide in identifying homeless students, accessing services, and overcoming barriers to their education, ensuring that homeless children and youth have equal access to education Supervise a small group of social work interns Support crisis response and intervention efforts Collaborate with families, teachers, counselors, and administrators to develop and implement student support plans Serve as a liaison between the school and community agencies to connect families with external resources Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and contribute to IEP development, as appropriate Promote a school climate of equity, peace, and restorative practices Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all school, district, and state requirements Who you are You possess an unwavering belief that our students are capable of success, and you both exude and cultivate our values of equity, love, critical thinking, and diversity. We’re looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. Minimum requirements Degree in Social Work or related field Valid PA Social Work license (LSW or LCSW) or school social work certification Experience working with children or adolescents in an educational or clinical setting Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students and families Commitment to culturally responsive practices and equity Pay and benefits We offer a competitive salary based on your experience and qualifications. Our benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and more. Pennsylvania employees are enrolled in Freire’s 403(b) retirement plan which includes a 5% contribution from Freire. Freire Schools is committed to maintaining a workplace environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, in service of the policy goal to provide all persons equal access to all categories of employment regardless of a person’s actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, ethnic background, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, disability, veteran/military status, or any other category protected by state or federal law.