KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open enrollment, college preparatory public schools dedicated to preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and life. There are 270 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 160,000 students and alumni. Nationally, KIPP students are graduating at 4x their peers.

Founded in 2008 with 50 students in 5th grade, KIPP Columbus currently serves nearly 2,000 students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth. During the 2018-2019 school year, and for the third year in a row, KIPP Columbus had the highest amount of academic growth of any community school in Ohio. KIPP Columbus plans to double in size in the coming years, with an expanded and reimagined campus opening in the fall of 2023.

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose -- college, career, and beyond -- so they can lead fulfilling lives and create a more just world.  By establishing a rigorous, safe, and personalized learning environment, KIPP Columbus will foster a culture of responsibility and service and empower all students to become active and engaged citizens.

The Opportunity
The School Social Worker will work directly with students, teachers, and families to provide individual and group counseling, as well as link families to long-term solutions and external support organizations.  The School Social Worker will report directly to the School Leader.  Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, the School Social Worker promotes student success, provides preventive services, conducts behavioral assessments and responds to student needs by implementing a comprehensive program that addresses academic, behavioral, career, and personal/social development for all students.

Social Worker responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide therapeutic service to students with IEPs, 504s, and general education students as needed
• Participate in the special education evaluation process for students with social-emotional and behavioral needs
• Write annual social-emotional or behavioral goals on student IEPs
• Facilitate the process of developing a student FBA/BIP 
• Case manage student behavioral health 504s 
• Facilitate crisis management services for students 
• Support school-based attendance interventions and initiatives
• Support school-based social-emotional programming interventions and initiatives
• Collaborate with community organizations  
• Provide support to KIPP Columbus families as needed
• Perform any duties assigned by the school leader

• Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and license with the State of Ohio (or ability to get license) required. 
• At least one year of supervised employment in the field of school social work with school-age children or one year of supervised field placement experience (accredited by the Council on Social Work Education) in a school mental health setting working with school-age children
• Training in clinical interventions and providing evidence-based therapy to youth and families
• Knowledge of special programs, guidance and scheduling preferred
• Knowledge of district policies and procedures related to special education and DIS services
• Ability to work as a part of multiple teams
• Knowledge of and experience with RTI/SST programs and interventions
• Demonstrated commitment to students’ wellbeing and learning
• Ability to connect with people from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds (including but not limited to homeless and LGBTQ youth)
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multi-task and work within an ambiguous, fast-moving, start-up environment, while driving toward clarity and solutions
• Extreme flexibility, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit to accommodate high levels of responsibility and multiple priorities
• Experience working with underserved communities, families and/or students

Compensation and Benefits

KIPP Columbus offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit plan including medical and dental insurance, as well as group term life insurance, retirement plan and paid time off. 

Statement of Non-Disclosure

KIPP Columbus is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying to the school for consideration of any position (admission, employment, etc.). KIPP Columbus does not discriminate on the basis of disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes set forth in Section 4112.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.