Work-Based Learning Social Worker or Mental Health Specialist

Tech Kids Unlimited (TKU) is seeking a Work-Based Learning Social Worker or Mental Health Specialist with a strong background in education, excellent program management skills, and an understanding of neurodiversity and career readiness programs. This role will be responsible for coordinating Career Ladder programs and leveraging their social work expertise to support neurodivergent teens and young adults. The role involves managing a part-time Social Work Intern Supervisor, who in turn oversees social work graduate students completing their fieldwork at TKU. As a member of the admin team, this individual will oversee the implementation of Social Emotional Learning in all programs. The ideal candidate is committed to providing person-centered work and demonstrates compassion and enthusiasm. They will become part of a collaborative team that includes seven full-time staff members, three part-time staff members, and 15 teaching artists.

Responsibilities

Student and Alumni Support Services (35%)

• Takes a person-centered approach to TKU’s education and work-based learning initiatives.
• Develop relationships with students and families to provide support and resources as needed.
• Advise students on how to navigate TKU’s Career Ladder programs and which program fits their needs and goals.
• Select, invite and interview TKU students for the Career Readiness Internship Summer Program (CRISP).
• Matches CRISP participants to the appropriate internship worksite .
• Advises staff in social-emotional situations that arise in the classroom and provide crisis intervention and referrals for students as needed.
• Develops and leads alumni relations initiatives.

Program Management (35%)

• Supervise Social Work Internship Supervisor and work with the social work team to implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives in all programs.
• Oversee and manage two Career Ladder programs (CRISP and CAP), as well as support Education staff working in the programs.
• Maintain relationships with worksite partners for Career Ladder Programs, including regular matching the employer partner to the student as well as ongoing communication during the summer internship program.
• Help with evaluation surveys related to Career Ladder programs.
• Help develop and deliver professional development to TKU staff and occasional external stakeholders.
• Foster and develop relationships with partners at city agencies for workforce development programs such as SYEP, and the DOE’s Transition, CDOS-related activities, with support from the Executive Director.

Resource & Curriculum Development (20%)

• Adapt and develop evidence-based SEL curriculum & resources for neurodivergent learners.
• Develop work-readiness resources including presentations and documents for program development and outreach.
• Research employment resources and toolkits for integration and inspiration.
• Develop and refine resources for worksite and client partners about working with neurodiverse employees in ways that are equitable and strengths-based in addition to being compliant with disability rights laws.

Administrative (10%)

• Serve as a key member of the Education Team to provide support in all other tasks as required by the Education Director.

Qualifications and Skills:

Must Haves –

• Strong interpersonal skills for compassionately managing relationships with students, families, and partners.
• A Master's Degree in Education, Social Work, Mental Health, Youth Services or a related field is required.
• 2+ years of experience working with students in an educational or school setting.
• Interest in workforce development for neurodivergent teens & young adults. A passion for promoting neurodiversity and inclusive education is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities for student outreach, interviews, and correspondence.
• Proven ability to network and build partnerships that support program growth and expansion, both locally and virtually.
• Demonstrated ability to represent an organization to a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies (parents, educators, community partners).
• Strong organizational abilities to manage, track, and coordinate efficiently.
• Ability to independently produce high-quality work, delegate, and problem-solve.
• Ability to collaborate well with colleagues and foster a positive work environment.
• Willingness to travel and occasionally participate in evening & weekend events.

Nice to Haves –

• Knowledge of NYC's educational and workforce landscape, along with disability rights laws and best practices for supporting neurodiverse individuals.
• Relevant experience in nonprofit management, community outreach, partnership development, and event coordination.
• Experience in event planning and coordination, including logistical arrangements, setup, and execution of special events.