Teaching opportunity in gorgeous ITHACA, New York!

Social Emotional Support Specialist

Open until filled

August/September 2023 until June 2024

10-hours part-time position for 38 weeks (academic year); potential for expansion

The Ithaca Waldorf School (IWS) is currently seeking a qualified and dedicated individual to fill the new position of our Social Emotional Support Specialist (SESS). This exciting role offers the opportunity to be a key contributor in developing and expanding our social emotional learning program and offer support to our students and faculty.

Responsibilities: The primary responsibility of the SESS is to provide social emotional support to IWS students and faculty/staff, with a greater proportion of time focused on supporting the middle school as this is the developmental stage when many mental health problems typically emerge. Specific responsibilities include:

Design and implementation of an evidence-based social emotional learning approach. The specific approach/curriculum will be selected collaboratively by the SESS, Director and Faculty/Staff. Examples include: PBIS, CASEL, Restorative Justice, Trauma-Informed Schools, and Mindfulness in Schools.  

Design and coordination of a school postvention plan 

Live observation of grades and middle school classroom dynamics and management- weekly in first 2 months, decreasing to as needed after that

Feedback and support to students, parents/caregivers and teachers as needed, including helping families to find mental health assessment and support in the community if indicated

One-on-one and small-group check-ins with students as needed– especially with students new to the school and those experiencing stressful events (e.g., family conflict/divorce or illness, bullying/peer conflict, racial/ethnic/gender discrimination and identity development) and mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression, irritability, attention/behavior problems).

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED: 

5 or more years working with children/adolescents

Masters degree in a mental health related field such as psychology, counseling, or social work

Interest in learning about Waldorf Education

Good organizational and record keeping skills

Must be collegial and collaborative and able to work proactively with students and their families, faculty, staff and administration

Training and experience in working with youth from diverse backgrounds

PREFERRED:

Experience working in elementary or middle schools

Experience working within Waldorf Education

License to practice in New York State

Experience implementing school social emotional learning curricula

Experience designing or implementing postvention

Benefits: This position is eligible for matched retirement savings, paid time off, and other benefits.

IWS embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to office@ithacawaldorf.org with the subject line “Applying for Social Emotional Support Specialist.”

Salary $20,000

Ithaca is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, which offer our community a rich cultural life. The city is situated at the foot of beautiful Cayuga Lake, and is a wonderful place to raise a family. (www.visitithaca.com)

The Ithaca Waldorf School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or handicapping conditions in its educational programs or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment that is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which application has been made.