Position: HS Social Worker

Location: Elmhurst, NY

Committed to changing the game for students in Northwest Queens, we are in search of a leader that strives for excellence even when the path of least resistance seems easier. A leader who is passionate about building community and is also committed to the persistence and stamina it requires to do the work. A person who does not shy away from giving critical feedback and can navigate with ease different styles of communication and the various constituents in a school community. Open to feedback, and eager to improve, this individual’s primary goal is to provide students with choices at the next level in a learning environment that is simultaneously challenging, stimulating and fun.

Our new Forte Prep High School, located at 78-02 Queens Blvd in Elmhurst, is an intelligently designed 60,000 sq. ft, 6-story tall building, open to natural light and outfitted with over 25 spacious classrooms and offices, a full-sized gymnasium, a rooftop athletic field, and a robust library and media center.  It is located less than half a mile away from the middle school and is easily accessible by our established school community.  This new building will be opening in the Fall of 2026 and will be home to our current 9th - 12th grade cohort, bringing together what was previously two separate cohorts in Glendale. It will also be a new home for events and sports for our greater community - we aim to open our gymnasium and rooftop athletic field to local classes and events, grounding the new Forte Prep High School as a true community partner in our neighborhood.  

Who We Are:

Forte Prep Academy High School is a new 9th through 12th grade college preparatory, tuition-free public charter school for Queens, New York, with a focus on serving the Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona communities. Our mission is: Through a relentless pursuit of academic, community, and personal excellence, Forte Prep Academy Charter Schools equip all students to become the next generation of leaders in Queens and beyond.

We do this work because 77% of high school graduates in our neighborhood are unprepared for the academic rigor of college. We do this work so that these students can beat the odds stacked against them and change those odds forever.

Our commitments are as follows:

We are committed to preparation for high school, college and beyond. We are committed to unlocking potential in every student. 

We are committed to excellent teaching and learning. 

We are committed to diversity and seek to reflect and honor the diversity of our community within the walls of our school.

We are committed to an intentional school culture ensuring that everything we do that supports a student's success beyond high school are built and maintained, grade by grade, year to year.

We are committed to parents/families. 

This is where you come in. 

The social worker will work closely with the school administration, faculty, students, and families to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for student support services. The primary responsibilities of the social worker will include:

• Support the systems, academic, and behavioral philosophy of Forte Prep through counseling in one-on one and small group support sessions.
• Create a proactive counseling program that prevents crises and supports the academically rich environment of the school.
• Work closely with the Dean of Students, Grade Level Chairs, and Principals to create and maintain a culture of excellence for all students
• Serve on special education committees to provide required IEP services.
• Providing individual and group counseling to students to meet IEP mandates, and helping them develop the skills and strategies necessary to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Collaborating with school counselors, teachers, and staff to identify students who may be in need of additional support, and developing and implementing plans to meet their needs.
• Conducting outreach to families to engage and inform them about student support services and opportunities.
• Working with community organizations and agencies to create partnerships and opportunities that enhance students' social and emotional well-being.
• Supporting the school's efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records of student services and interventions.

What We Need/The Opportunity

The ideal candidate for the social worker position will possess the following qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work or related field.
• Licensed social worker.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in social work or related field.
• Experience working within a school setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in providing individual and group counseling to students.
• Knowledge of current trends, practices, and resources in social work and student support services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to inspire and motivate others.

Forte Preparatory Academy Charter School is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Compensation

Salary range is $70,000 - $100,000, commensurate with your experience. Forte Prep Academy High School employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 403 B matching, parental leave, tuition reimbursement, a smartphone, and a laptop.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Forte Preparatory Academy Charter Schools are committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Ability to commute/relocate: Elmhurst, NY 11373: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)