Social Work Supervisor, HCZ Promise Academy

Harlem Children's Zone, Inc (HCZ) is a multi-site, multi-program community organization that provides a unique and comprehensive interlocking network of education, social and health services, and recreation to more than 27,000 children and adults in Central Harlem. The majority of the children HCZ works with go to public schools and attend its engaging after-school programs. Whether in its Promise Academy charter schools or public schools, HCZ's high standards and expectations are the same for all of its children-ensuring that all of them are on track to attend college and successfully graduate with degrees. HCZ's overarching goal is to create a "tipping point" in the neighborhood so that children are surrounded by an enriching environment of college-oriented peers and supportive adults. Nationally and internationally recognized for its early and progressive intervention programs, HCZ has been lauded by The New York Times as "one of the most ambitious social-policy experiments of our time."

All children and their families have access to the full array of supportive services of the Harlem Children's Zone community network. The rigorous academic program and extensive support systems are designed to prepare students to attend, excel in, and graduate from college. The academic year consists of 210 days of school, an increase over the 180 days required by law, which includes a 25- day mandatory summer program. The academic day runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm, approximately 20% longer than the vast majority of surrounding public schools. Our schools consistently enforce a rigorous code of conduct, dress code, and emphasize personal relationships among students, teachers, and families.

We are seeking to hire a LCSW or LMSW Social Work Supervisor for our HCZ PA school-based Social Work Team. The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the mission of Promise Academy and HCZ, an understanding and respect for the culture of all residents of Harlem, and experience working in a school setting with a love for children. The Social Work Supervisor reports directly to the School Social Work Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee and ensure quality counseling, crises intervention and case management services in effort to reduce or eliminate any risk factors that impedes a student's ability to learn or places a student and/or family at risk
• Guide, lead and develop staff on an ongoing basis
• Provide weekly supervision
• Co-facilitate Social Work team meetings
• Assume responsibilities of the Director's position (during absence of Director)
• Assess high risk situations and make immediate recommendations and referrals in efforts to ensure child safety, and to reduce or eliminate risk factors
• Work with students and their families to develop strategies (including referrals to outside agencies) for addressing the safety, emotional and basic needs of the students and their families
• Serve as liaison and advocate between student, home, school, and community resources, such as family service agencies, mental health clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and clergy members
• Collaborate with Promise Academy Principals, school staff and HCZ programs
• Provide counseling case coverage as needed
• Conduct home, agency and community based visits
• Provide feedback to teachers and administrators on how to best support caseload and non caseload students
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems
• Ensure quality assurance and the timely and accurate completion and submission of all required documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Knowledge Requirements

• A commitment to the mission and programs of HCZ
• LCSW or LMSW degree with at least 2 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a school setting, nonprofit organization or child welfare program
• Must have provisional School Social Worker certification
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Passion for children and families and a strong connection to the community
• Sensitivity to community issues and needs
• School is year round; work schedule is based on the calendar year, not the school schedule
• Maybe required to work (scheduled) late nights
• Required to work late nights (as needed) to support crises and/or to accommodate parent/guardian's schedule
• Bilingual (Spanish and/or French/African dialect) is desirable

We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.To be considered, interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. No telephone inquiries or recruiters please. Replies will only be sent to qualified applicants. HCZ is an EOE.