Student Supports Manager (SSM)

Job Description

Job Description

Student Supports Manager (SSM)

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago, we believe students can enhance their learning when their needs are met and that includes mental and emotional health. Every day, we partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and hundreds of community organizations to bring no-cost, high-quality programs directly to schools. These programs help students stay focused, engaged, and on track to graduate.

During the 2025–26 school year, we served over 80,000 students across 250 schools, connecting them to life-changing support from arts and academic enrichment to health and mental wellness services. And we need your help to make it happen.

The mission of Communities In Schools of Chicago is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The vision of CIS of Chicago is to ensure that every public school student in Chicago graduates from high school prepared to succeed. The organization's core values are Impact, Integrity, Relationships, and Social Justice.

At the heart of our work are our Student Supports Managers (SSMs)-on-the-ground change agents embedded in schools across the city. This role specifically serves CPS/Charter Schools throughout the City of Chicago. This isn't a desk job. As an SSM, you'll work on site every day at a CPS school or Public Charter School, managing a caseload of around 50 students who are facing real-life barriers to learning-things like attendance issues, academic struggles, trauma, or behavioral challenges. You'll also help lead school-wide programs that build a stronger, more supportive school community.

If you're energized by building relationships, making systems work better for kids, and creating real, lasting change, this is your kind of job

Your Core Responsibilities Serve as the go-to support for a caseload of 50 students: provide one-on-one and small-group support, track progress, and adjust interventions as needed.

• Design and deliver school-wide prevention, wellness, and engagement initiatives.
• Join or co-lead school-based teams like the Behavioral Health Team.
• Connect students and families with trusted community resources through our citywide partner network
• Maintain timely, accurate case notes and student data in our system.
• Collaborate with CIS team members and school leaders to build a culture of support.
• Represent CIS in school meetings, family engagement efforts, and community events.
• As an SSM, you'll work on-site every day at a traditional CPS or public charter school.

What You Bring

• Master's degree required in Social Work or Counseling preferred (LSW/LPC or license-eligible is a plus).
• 2+ years working directly with youth and families, preferably in urban public schools.
• Strong cultural humility and ability to work effectively across diverse communities.
• You're organized, compassionate, tech-savvy, and ready to roll up your sleeves.
• Must have reliable daily transportation.
• Must pass a background check

What You'll Get

• Salary range: $55,000
• Full-time (11-month) role based in a CPS school site
• Training, supervision, and professional development with a mission-driven team
• Health and retirement benefits, PTO, and access to a citywide network of changemakers
• The opportunity to change lives, one student, one school at a time

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, medical condition, marital or family status, veteran or military status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago-including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.