Job Description:
School Social Worker
Location: East Hartford, CT
Employment Type: Full-Time (10-month), At-Will
About Ben Bronz Academy
Ben Bronz Academy is a State of Connecticut-approved special education day school serving students in grades 2-12 with learning disabilities. With a 3:1 student-to-teacher ratio and a structured, individualized program, we help bright students identify and correct functional weaknesses, build spontaneous thinking habits, and cultivate confidence, perseverance, and curiosity. We believe every student deserves the chance to succeed.
Position Summary
The School Social Worker serves as a critical bridge between home, school, and community resources to support our students' academic, social-emotional, and mental health needs. Working collaboratively within our multidisciplinary team, you will provide clinical casework, therapeutic counseling, crisis management, and family support tailored to bright students with complex learning and behavioral profiles.
Key Responsibilities
- Counseling & Social Skills: Provide evidence-based individual and group clinical counseling for emotional, social, and behavioral challenges. Facilitate social-learning groups (e.g., "Lunch Bunch") and co-teach pragmatics and communication classes.
- Assessments & IEP Planning: Conduct social-emotional assessments, collect developmental histories, and analyze data to guide IEP goals and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Actively participate in PPT meetings and multidisciplinary team reviews.
- Family Support & Community Liaison: Interview families to assess psychosocial needs, assist parents in understanding their childs learning profile, and connect families with outside community mental health and social services.
- Incident Processing & Behavioral Support: Process behavioral incidents directly with students to create actionable improvement plans. Partner with teachers to implement positive behavior strategies and classroom accommodations.
- Crisis Intervention: Offer immediate risk assessment, trauma-informed stabilization, and safety planning during critical incidents.
- Transition & Mentorship: Assist students transitioning back to home public school districts, post-secondary opportunities, or employment. Mentor social work interns as appropriate.
- Compliance & Documentation: Maintain confidential student records, prepare progress reports, and complete daily/monthly billing logs for Medicaid reimbursement.
Qualifications & Competencies
- Education: Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited university.
- Certification/Licensure: Active Connecticut State Department of Education Certification as a School Social Worker (Endorsement 071). LCSW/LMSW credentials preferred.
- Legal & Regulatory Knowledge: Proficient in CT special education law, IDEA, Section 504, family privacy regulations, and Medicaid billing compliance.
- Experience & Skills: Prior experience in a specialized school, pediatric clinical, or special education environment preferred. Expertise in family systems, trauma-informed care, ABA principles, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
- Environment: Typical school-based setting with a moderate noise level.
- Physical Demands: Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and listen. Occasionally required to reach, stoop, kneel, and lift/move up to 15 pounds.
How to Apply
To apply, please email your cover letter, resume, two (2) letters of recommendation, and a copy of your CT #071 certification to:
Dr. Gail Lanza: gail@benbronzacademy.org
Learn More: www.benbronzacademy.org
Ben Bronz Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.