Biotech and Pharmaceutical, Clinical Medicine, Communication Skills, Crisis Intervention, Data Collection, Diversity, English Language, Family Intervention, Information Technology & Information Systems, Learning Disabilities, Multilingual, Operational Support Systems (OSS), Psychiatry and Mental Health, Psychology, Social Work, Special Needs, Student Services, Team Player, Testing, Training Program Development
Position: Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor
Office of Student Services/Cambridge Rindge & Latin School
Overview of Cambridge Public Schools:
Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city as well as a central hub and driver of the nation's innovative economy. Home of the renowned educational institutions of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is also the center of an impressive array of biotechnology, science, and information technology companies.
Educating about 7,000 students JK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools consists of award-winning faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Additionally, there is personalized support for every student. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home and over 65 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.
The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a wide variety of services to CPS students with special needs to ensure equitable access and support for all, including those who are advanced or twice-exceptional learners.
The Role:
The School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor reports directly to the Director and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services. Key responsibilities include:
- Demonstrate knowledge of theories of psychopathology and of individual, group, family dynamics and interventions
- Demonstrate competences in understanding of psychology of learning, learning disorders and the effects of disabilities on learning
- Assess behavior, including interpretation of testing, knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning
- Demonstrate skills and techniques of consultation, referral, collaboration, crisis intervention and working with interdisciplinary teams
- Provide preventive interventions to deal with emotional issues impacting on student's academic achievement, e.g. sexuality, drug and alcohol use, violence, physical abuse
- Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws related to schools, services to students, child abuse, and custody. Understand the implications of liability and requirements of due process
- Communicate in a clear direct and responsive manner to the needs of students and families within the school community
- Provide clinical services, that enable students and families to identify and change behaviors that interfere with students academic, emotional and social performance
- Ensure equity for all students and families and value diversity of school environment and community
- Develop Individualized Education Programs and SMART goals related to mental health needs for students based on various types of data specific to the student''s present levels of functioning
- Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
- Engage in professional development activities and remain current on research
- Adhere to professional and ethical standards of professional behavior that contribute to addressing the needs of students and families
- Other duties as assigned
Your Skill Set:
As the incoming Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college/university.
- Required MA License (certification): DESE School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor and LCSW, LICSW or LMHC
- Knowledge of and experience working with students with social, language, and behavioral deficits.
- Strong working knowledge of behavioral principals.
- Experience working in a public school setting is preferred.
How to Join Our Team:
Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.
At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.