About Position:
Having been awarded a Community School Grant through the NY State Department of Education, Healing Arts Initiative is about to kick off a large scale project with four high schools based in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The Community School model seeks to tie a variety of community partners, including local non-profits, mental health providers and parent groups, together to introduce a coordinated set of services into struggling schools. The hope is that, through these coordinated wrap around services, children will be able to get the supports they need to overcome challenges that may be holding them back in their studies.
In addition to the above, the Community School model incorporates enrichment programming aimed at reaching students in ways that traditional lectures fall short. To this end, HAI, through its Community School Coordinator, will seek to implement arts-based activities at all four schools.
The Community Schools Coordinator will work during the school year, at four different Brooklyn school sites within the same campus. The school populations include large populations of at-risk youth and HAI’s mission is to engage with these young people and their families to assist them in moving forward in their lives and communities. Overarching program goals include reducing chronic absenteeism, increasing GPA scores, and encouraging timely graduation.
Roles and Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
Community School Leader
Lead and Coordinate the Community School in conjunction with the four school principals
Manage the implementation of all enrichment programs; manage associated program staff such as HAI teaching artists
Conduct outreach to partner non-profits, the School Leadership Team, and parent groups to develop awareness and buy-in around the Community School model
Assess school and student needs and develop new partnerships with local nonprofits as necessary
Create multiple opportunities for parent involvement
Act as a liaison between parents/guardians, school, and public & private agencies responsible for student care and services
Conduct outreach to students and their families through phone calls, interviews and home visits
Program Administration & Case Management Services
Assess the needs of each student who registers for the program: collect files on all students to identify those that have accrued more than 30 absences in the prior school year
Maintain and collect files for each student in order to track academic improvement and absenteeism rates throughout the year
Work with HAI’s partners in the field of mental health to ensure that comprehensive counseling is available to all students at the Bushwick campus; develop and implement a referral system between the program participants and community agencies
As necessary, the Community School Coordinator will conduct mental health assessments and act as a point person to coordinate further mental health, physical health, legal support, and any other community services needed
Follow up on all referrals made to partner agencies
Keep detailed case notes on each student
Qualifications: Licensed Social Worker with experience working with high school age students a must. Prior supervisory and project management experience (at least 5 years) is essential for this role. Track record of organizing community events and working with schools is preferred. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) also preferred.
Additional Skills: Strategic management, community organizing, strong verbal and written communication skills, strong leadership abilities, and experience negotiating with a diverse set of stakeholders. Ability to develop and support an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of community, belonging and connectedness.
About HAI: As the leading non-profit arts access agency in New York City for over forty years, HAI provides a full array of creative services to underserved communities. HAI recognizes that every child needs access to cultural and artistic experiences to foster self-awareness and positive life choices.
Salary: Competitive.
How to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to talent@hainyc.org