Inclusion and Classroom Support Coordinator for Kadima@BJ/Hebrew School (Part-Time)

Since its founding in 1825, B’nai Jeshurun (BJ), a non-affiliated synagogue on the Upper West Side, has been at the forefront of the American Jewish experience. As it approaches its third century, its vision remains focused on the spiritual work of transformation and on the creation of a Jewish path that is authentic, profound, and helps all members of the community seek and live their purpose to the fullest.

BJ’s spiritual leaders, as well as BJ’s nearly 2,000 member families, share a vision of a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that offers many paths to Jewish religious life while supporting one another in their spiritual quests. BJ is committed to honoring tradition while re-imagining and innovating its practices and programs to create a vibrant, contemporary, and relevant Jewish life for all who seek it.

Job Overview

Our Hebrew school program, Kadima@BJ is looking for an Inclusion and Classroom Support Coordinator to work alongside our Associate Director of Family Life and Learning, in a part time role. This role is designed to support teachers in addressing the diverse social, emotional, behavioral, and learning needs of all students, while also becoming an integral part of our community by building strong relationships with students, teachers, staff and families. 

Responsibilities

• Support students, teachers, staff, and families in Kindergarten through 6th grade in teaching students with varying backgrounds, ages and grades, abilities and needs, including learning, social, behavioral, and emotional- 
• Develop behavioral plans and ideas for the classroom, teacher, student and family
• Provide two professional development sessions over the course of the school year for the Kadima teachers/ staff 
• Aid teachers with classroom guidelines and structures
• Aid teachers in developing overall classroom supports and structures in order to develop a baseline
• Conduct classroom observations and create notes to share with teachers, staff, and families 
• Work with students parents/ families on their emotional and behavioral needs, creating a plan of action and support when needed
• In conjunction with the Associate Director, have meetings with parents/ families and teachers to support students at Kadima 
• Proactively follow up with students parents/ families to share updates on progress and areas where continued support is needed 
• Provide direct support to students by:
  • Working with them one-on-one as needed 
  • Implementing tools and strategies to help them succeed in Kadima
  • Communicating / reiterating goals to students in a supportive way and helping them achieve their goals
  • Checking in with students to see how they are feeling about their time in Kadima and identify any needed support.
  • Supporting the students in communicating directly with other classmates or with their Kadima classroom teacher

• Additional details: 
  • Available to work approximately 5-8 hours a week 
  • Available to meet with Associate Director of Family Life and Learning once a week for one hour at an agreed upon time (during the work week/ during work hours: this will take place on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday)
  • Work in person on Tuesdays from September 29 through May 11 from 3:00-6:15 PM when Kadima is in session 
  • Be available during arrival, dismissal and throughout all class time and Tefillah time 
  • Help to lead staff orientation on Tuesday, September 15 @ 3:00 PM 
  • Attend required child safety training and participate in building safety drills during staff orientation and while working Kadima hours 
  • Help to lead staff meetings five nights a year—these will take place at 6:30 PM on Thursday evenings (typically these are remote meetings) 
  • Work remotely or in person when needed for parent/ family meetings 
  • Work remotely or in person when needed for teacher meetings
  • Work remotely or in person when needed for meetings with Director and Associate Director of Family Life and Learning 
  • Complete other duties as assigned by the Director or Associate Director of Family Life and Learning 

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years working with neurodivergent children 
• A minimum of three years working with Elementary age students and Middle School students from Kindergarten through 6th grade 
• A minimum of three years classroom teaching experience, educational administration experience or counseling experience 
• An education degree or a social work degree—preference to those who have a special education degree/background or certifications/qualifications (other related fields will also be considered) 
  • Candidates who are in process of obtaining a masters degree or second bachelor’s degree in social work or special education will also be considered 
• Preference to those who have worked in a religious school/synagogue environment or understands the dynamics of synagogue/Jewish life 

Compensation

We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment. This is a part time role with a compensation of $7,200. The majority of the work will take place from mid August through mid May. There will be some additional work over the summer to prepare for the school year. 

To Apply

Please send your resume to Jessica Glickman, Associate Director of Family Life and Learning with the subject line, “Inclusion Coordinator.”

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

B’nai Jeshurun is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in recognition of its values, commitment to social justice, and responsibility to its spiritual leaders and staff, congregants, and the communities within which it lives and works. It strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, veterans, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ applicants.