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Position Summary
The KIPP NYC Director of Social Work & Partnerships (DSW) is a key member of the Equity Team, reporting to the Chief Equity Officer, and is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and implementation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives aligned with our K–12 student experience and Graduate Aims.
In this role, the DSW will drive and coach SEL practices across the K–12 continuum—building capacity in existing social work and academic teams, onboarding new talent, leading the regional social work community, providing clinical supervision and crisis management support during regular school visits, and advising Principals on whole-school SEL programming and multi-tiered interventions.
The DSW will also design and lead professional development for regional social workers and develop data systems to capture sense of belonging (including student and family perception data), using those insights to strengthen retention practices and guide long-term planning that ensures every student—particularly those furthest from opportunity—accesses enriching, identity-affirming, and empowering learning experiences.
This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. Cadence and frequency of travel to schools is determined by your leadership team. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.
Responsibilities & Duties:
Clinical Responsibilities:
Provide clinical supervision to school-based social work teams across K-12, ensuring LCSW staff members meet licensure requirements
Consult regularly with school leadership and school-based Student Support Services teams to coordinate goal setting, progress monitoring, and integrated support
Provide dotted line supervision to a group of 10-12 social workers across schools and grade levels
Conduct classroom observations and assessments, providing consultation on individual students as requested
Professional Development
Design and deliver regional social work training—including Summer Institute and regional PD days—and customize school-based professional development sessions on request
Oversee, implement, and evaluate essential Tier-One curriculum on test anxiety, bullying (including cyber-bullying) and safe touch/consent
Identify, vet, and promote external professional learning opportunities for social work staff
Partnerships
Manage relationships with community-based organizations, attend collaborative meetings, and monitor service utilization and quality in accordance with MOU terms
Oversee the Possip platform region-wide, enabling KIPP NYC to maximize family feedback
Collaborate with our Family Advocacy & Community Engagement and Teaching & Learning Support teams to strengthen school-family partnerships
Data Collection & Analysis
Assess data and progress monitoring platforms for school-based social work teams
Create statistical and narrative reports for social work teams, school leadership teams, and regional leadership
Integrate social work data with key organizational data, such as attendance and suspension metrics, for Academic Progress Tracking meetings
Crisis Management
Facilitate annual risk management training and maintain a comprehensive crisis resource toolkit
Facilitate region-wide emergency response strategy, including best practices and recommended protocols
Consult with schools during and after crises to provide prevention guidance, postvention support, and direct response assistance
Social-Emotional Programming
Guide schools in selecting, implementing, and sustaining whole-school programs—such as restorative justice, SEL, and mindfulness—with fidelity
Partner with the Regional Student Support Services team on Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) implementation
Qualifications & Competencies
Masters Degree (MSW) required and PhD is preferred
Minimum 6+ years of clinical experience required (school-based experience, preferred)
Minimum 3+ years of supervisory experience, including indirect or dotted-line managerial experience or experience working with educators who may not be practitioners
LCSW with NY State Licensure required
Pending LCSW certification (i.e., exam and paperwork complete) is acceptable
Deep knowledge of social work content and learning theory, current SW and therapeutic trends, blended learning practices, methods, research, and technology, and program planning and implementation
Trained in trauma-informed practices as well as evidence-based practices such as CBT, IFS, Narrative Therapy, etc.
Commitment to equity and inclusion practices and willingness to evolve curricula to be more culturally responsive and sustaining
Experience planning and facilitating engaging and effective professional development for adults
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop productive working relationships with multiple stakeholders across the organization
Experience leading others through influence rather than formal managerial relationships
Meticulous attention to detail with an ability to produce high quality work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Demonstrated passion for and a commitment to the KIPP mission for high quality public education and our core values
Additional Information
KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $115-130K. Salary ranges at KIPP NYC are standardized based on role level and role function. Individual salaries are determined through a lens of equity, accounting for years of experience relevant to the role and scope of responsibilities, and are benchmarked against others within the same salary band.
KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:
Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision.
403(b) retirement plan with 50% match after 6 months.
Generous Time-Off aligned with school calendar
Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave.
Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
Employer paid Life Insurance and Short term/Long term disability.
Employee incentives including 8 Weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.
This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.
This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our NYC Office. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. It is important that you notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.
About the Organization
KIPP NYC Public Schools is a non-profit network of 18 free, public charter schools in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. We partner with families and communities to create joyful and rigorous schools in pursuit of a more just world. In 1995 we started our first middle school, KIPP Academy, in the Bronx, with a vision that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Today, our network consists of eight elementary schools, nine middle schools, one high school, and KIPP Forward, a comprehensive program to support our students and alumni in choosing and preparing for the educational and career paths that fit their goals and sense of purpose. KIPP NYC currently serves more than 11,000 students and alumni, has a staff of more than 1,000 (11% of whom are alumni), and continues to grow!
To Apply
Interested candidates must apply directly on the KIPP NYC website using the link below.
Please note that KIPP NYC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization.
KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City. BIPOC, women, gender expansive, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.