School Social Worker Job at Fusion Academy in New York

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Full‑Time School Social Worker to serve students across our three NYC campuses: Brooklyn, Chelsea, and Upper West Side.

This role is essential in promoting student well‑being, fostering a positive school culture, and addressing the social‑emotional needs of diverse learners.

The Social Worker collaborates with teachers, related service providers, and families to ensure students’ emotional and behavioral needs are met through a whole‑child, trauma‑informed approach. The ideal candidate is student‑centered, culturally responsive, and experienced in therapeutic or special education settings.

Key Responsibilities

Student Support & Counseling

• Provide individual counseling aligned with IEP or behavioral/emotional support plans.
• Support students in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal functioning.
• Contribute to a safe, inclusive, and trauma‑informed school climate.
• Respond to student crises and coordinate care with clinical teams and caregivers.
• Work with all students across campuses, with a focus on students on caseload.
• Prepare written affidavits and provide testimony during hearings as needed to support student placement at Fusion Academy.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and student planning sessions.
• Consult with teachers on strategies for engagement, behavior management, and emotional support.
• Maintain strong communication with families to foster partnerships.
• Coordinate with external mental‑health providers when appropriate.

Compliance & Documentation

• Complete service documentation and progress notes per school, state, and IEP requirements.
• Support implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans and social‑emotional IEP goals.
• Attend IEP meetings to provide input on student functioning and support.

School Culture & Programming

• Engage in schoolwide initiatives promoting wellness, inclusion, and belonging.
• Support proactive interventions such as SEL programming and student support groups.
• Collaborate with leadership to address systemic support and equity.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Valid New York State Certification as a School Social Worker.
• Experience with students with emotional, behavioral, and/or developmental needs.
• Strong understanding of trauma‑informed care and restorative practices.

Desired Competencies

• Deep empathy, cultural responsiveness, and patience.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build trust with students and families.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Commitment to equity and student‑centered practice.

Schedule & Benefits

• Full‑time, hourly position with consistent schedules during the school year.
• Benefits include:
  • Paid sick time and holidays
  • Tax‑advantaged commuter benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with company match (eligibility applies)

Equal Opportunity Employer

We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status.

About the Organization

Fusion Academy is a revolutionary alternative, accredited private school for grades 6‑12 that offers a fully individualized classroom: one student, one teacher. As the nationwide leader in one‑to‑one schooling, Fusion Academy has campuses throughout the country.

Every student at Fusion is unique – some students are accelerated learners; some need flexible scheduling; and others have special learning needs due to attention challenges, learning differences, or social and emotional difficulties. No matter why students come to Fusion, our model is simple – through compassion and acceptance, Fusion students learn on their terms, on their schedule, and in their learning style.

Our model is a unique academic program offering services year‑round on a rolling admissions basis. Our environment is highly personal and socially inclusive. Equal emphasis is placed on students' emotional well‑being as it is on academic achievements. In addition to full time enrollment, students at Fusion Academy may take a class for credit or enroll in our tutoring/mentoring program.

The Fusion culture offers a special place to work, teach, and learn. Fusionites are a special brand of educators – they are creative, passionate, embrace change, and have fun! They communicate honestly and with compassion to both students and colleagues. People join the Fusion family for more than just a paycheck; they seek to work with peers who share these values. And because Fusion is growing rapidly, we offer considerable opportunity for career advancement throughout the country.