High School Assistant Principal Social Services and Counselor
Purpose of Role:
SPARK Schools is a network of affordable private schools implementing Africa’s first blended learning model for primary
and high school scholars in South Africa. SPARK Schools provides transformational education innovation through our
blended learning model, which elevates scholar achievement and provides the tools teachers need to serve their scholars
effectively.
The blended learning model, which combines classroom teaching and online instruction, allows teachers to anticipate
scholar needs and equips schools to provide personalized education at an affordable cost. SPARK Schools is pioneering
this transformative education model to ensure the accessibility of university and careers for all.
SPARK Schools is a high growth, mission and values-driven and highly entrepreneurial organisation looking for dynamic
people to join our team.
Role Summary:
- The School Social Worker performs duties that are socio-emotional in nature and that deliver direct services to scholars
regarding behavioural intervention and the creation of a positive culture and climate.The School Social Worker drives
academic excellence through support with subject selection, progress tracking toward matriculation and the development
and exhibition of exceptional scholar XC Projects. Ability to counsel students, parents, and staff, individually and in
groups. Conduct assessments and provide training to SPARK Schools employees based on results of ongoing
assessment. - Line manager: Principal,
- Reports to: Child Protection Officer,
Responsibilities:
- Promoting the general well-being of scholars
- Working with families and making relevant referrals to organizations in their areas.
- Offering mentoring and suggestions for Teachers and other school personnel
- Developing and providing crisis intervention strategies to improve scholar success
- Working to maximize coping skills for scholars in difficult situations
- Provide individual short term counseling to scholars who have behavioral, and emotional challenges.
- Facilitate support group sessions with scholars who have similar challenges.
- Have administrative skills to create and monitor and case load, write weekly process notes and monthly progress
reports on all sessions with clients. - Meet specific performance objectives developed jointly with immediate supervisor;
- Provide support to SPARK Schools during crisis events/situations;
- Provide in-service training and serve as a consultant to teachers and school staff members on topics related to
research based practice in response to intervention, positive behavior support and appropriate interventions; - Maintain professional competence in the field which may include attending and participating in professional
organizations, workshops and conferences; reading professional journals and other related publications. - Monitor school attendance and provide services to scholars who are frequently absent, and those who skip
classes. - Create and maintain a school culture that values high achievement, strong character, and a love for learning.
- Implement a highly rigorous and engaging instructional program that promotes content mastery, creative problem
solving, and character development, which is consistent with SPARK Schools’ mission and vision. - Drive academic excellence through support with subject selection, progress tracking toward matriculation and the
development and exhibition of exceptional scholar XC Projects. - Plan and execute the high school transition model.
- Career guidance and support for FET scholars.
- Drive academic excellence through support with subject selection, progress tracking toward matriculation and the
development and exhibition of exceptional scholar XC Projects. - Consistently implements behaviour management policies and procedures that drive a strong student culture.
- Develop interventions and individualised behaviour plans when necessary
- Use quantitative (assessment) and qualitative (anecdotal) data to drive decision-making
and instruction at the school. - Facilitate an assessment and data analysis cycle that drives instructional staff to analyse scholar performance,
identify areas for targeted instruction and implement strategies to close achievement gaps - Conduct self in a professional manner at all SPARK Schools events and to all stakeholders.
- Support scholar achievement by setting clear and high expectations for excellent facilitation and monitoring in all
Innovation hubs. - Maintain a regular schedule of observations in all the innovation hubs and observation review meetings with
blended learning facilitators to ensure that they can successfully plan online courses, execute monitoring and
tracking, and implement SPARK Schools’ culture and behaviour management techniques.
Qualifications and Criteria:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and criteria:
- Experience
- 4+ years of experience as a Social Worker
- 2 years of experience working with adolescents/ youth
- Preferred Qualifications
- BSocial Work/ Honors Social Work degree
- English language fluency
- SACSSP registration
- Form 30 clearance
- Clear criminal record
Qualities:
- Grit: Persistence through challenges
- Excellence: A track record of high expectations personally and professionally.
- Mission and Vision Alignment : Understanding of and passion for the SPARK Schools mission to provide excellent
education at an affordable cost. - Self Reflection: Finding the capacity to bring your best self to challenges and opportunities.
Values: Service, Persistence, Achievement, Responsibility, Kindness
The duties and responsibilities highlighted in this job description are indicative and may vary over
time. Post holders are expected to undertake other duties and responsibilities relevant to the
nature, level and scope of the post.