Horizons at New Canaan Country School (NCCS) was founded in 1964 and is the flagship program for what has become a national movement. There are now over 70 Horizons programs across the United States and counting. Each year we serve over 400 under-resourced students in kindergarten through post-secondary, the majority of whom live in Stamford and Norwalk. Our program includes a robust 6-week summer program for nearly 300 students and a school year program with academic, enrichment and caregiver programming. We raise our entire budget annually from private sources to ensure that each child can attend tuition-free.
Our Vision : To build a more just and equitable society.
Our Mission : Transforming the lives of underserved children and youth through year-round academic and enrichment programs to inspire learning, encourage success, and close the opportunity gap.
Our Values :
- Equity through Opportunity
- Educating the Whole Child
- Joyful and Nurturing Community
Job Summary : The Community Connector and Social Worker is responsible for supporting the social-emotional growth and wellbeing of students and families and for developing robust community connections that support recruitment, partnerships, and collaboration that result in better outcomes for children.
School Year Responsibilities include :
Provide direct counseling support to children and families as needed and make connections to extended services as neededFacilitate connections to necessary social-emotional screenings and services beyond scope of Horizons professional staffIdentify and develop partnerships / enhance relationships with community-based organizations, including Norwalk and Stamford collective impact groups and resourcesSupport the recruitment and admissions processCo-facilitate Family Grade Representative and Family Council MeetingsServe as a student / family advocate within the schools and community. Participate in school meetings to support families, and to ensure students are receiving related services, as needed.Coordinate family and volunteer participation in annual community-building events to include Holiday Party, KAM Day of Service, Fall Fest, Frogtown Fair, etc.Manage the Alumni Association and yearly events including, but not limited to, updating alumni contact information and partnering with the Alumni Association Event Planning CommitteeBe an active and engaged member of our host school community, New Canaan Country School, including attending community lunches and designated eventsOther duties as assignedSummer Responsibilities include :
Serve as Junior Program Dean of Students & Culture to implement positive community events and support faculty / staff with behavioral and / or social-emotional concernsServe as the lead for all volunteer effortsWork in partnership with Senior Program Dean of Students and Culture to implement positive strengths-based approaches to behavior and emotional concernsPartner with DSFP and DAS to implement assessments that capture social-emotional dataContribute to pre-summer staff training in partnership with the DSFP and DASIn partnership with the Jr. Program Director :Support Teachers, Teaching Assistants, and Teaching Assistants-in-Training to address student concerns.
Lead weekly staff meetings, address concerns, and support student and staff needs.Lead Junior Program functions, daily announcements, routines, and traditions, etc.Plan and implement Friday afternoon program assemblies.Collaborate with the summer leadership team to plan Family NightWork with faculty and staff to recognize student accomplishments and celebrate birthdays.Develop and implement strategies to recognize staff, support team building, and boost staff and student moraleDevelop curriculum and teach the "Transition to Middle School" ClassOther duties as assignedRequirements
The ideal candidate will have :
License to practice Social Work in CT3-5 years working with multicultural families and students in an educational settingExperience creating and presenting social-emotional programmingSensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of families / students from marginalized communitiesStrong working knowledge of Google WorkspaceKnowledge of Norwalk and Stamford communities and resources preferredExcellent organizational, management and communication skillsAbility to thrive in a busy work environment and flexibility to work nights and programmatic SaturdaysProficiency in Spanish a plusPassion for the Horizons missionCompensation and Benefits :
The Community Connector and Social Worker position is a full-time salaried position with medical and vision benefits; life and disability insurance; 403(b); generous vacation and PTO time, professional development support, and access to tuition remission for children of NCCS faculty and staff. The salary range is $60,000-$70,000, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience. This role is expected to work regular on-site business hours with some evening and weekend hours required to support program and donor events.
Equal Opportunity Employer :
Horizons at NCCS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for
employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.