Social Worker, DVUS

Position: Social Worker

Darby Vassall Upper School

Darby Vassall Lane Upper School Community:

Darby Vassall Lane Upper School is a vibrant 6-8 middle school, part of the Cambridge Public Schools. We are committed to collaboration and creating environments that enable all students to learn at high levels. We are mindful of societal inequities and work to challenge injustice. We strive to promote inquiry, reflection, critical thinking, creative expression, resilience, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

The Opportunity:

The School Social Worker is highly qualified and knowledgeable in implementing and delivering a variety of behavioral health supports that address the impact of trauma and mental health challenges while building skills and resilience so that students may achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. The School Social Worker will report directly to the Principal and work collaboratively with the school administration, educators, support staff, and the family liaison to create a high-quality educational experience for students in a safe and welcoming learning environment. The School Social Worker will also collaborate with the Office of Social Emotional Learning and engage as a member of the district's school social worker department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing support, modeling, and consultation with educators, administrators, and school staff around asset-based, culturally and linguistically responsive school and classroom practices that support the social-emotional development of all students.
• Actively participate in a multi-tiered system of support through the administration of SEL and/or mental health screeners and assessments, analyzing data trends and patterns, working collaboratively with school staff to determine effective interventions, and progress monitoring the effectiveness of such interventions (ex, SST, TAT participation and/or facilitation)
• Collaborate and work in partnership with the Office of Social Emotional Learning through attendance at meetings, professional development, and supervision sessions to ensure continuous improvement of clinical practice and service delivery.
• In partnership with school-based teams, provide a continuum of evidence-based social, emotional, and mental health services, including crisis intervention, assessment, individual and group counseling, referrals, and collaboration with community providers.
• Work in partnership with students and families to provide psychoeducation, identify resources, and coordinate referrals to external agencies and programs to support students' and families' needs.
• Support the implementation of Tier 1 social-emotional learning curriculum and classroom and school-wide practices to help students develop SEL competencies such as self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Provide timely assessments in complex situations in order to identify immediate supports necessary to address safety concerns, suicidality, and/or concerns around suspected abuse or neglect.
• Provide education and professional development for school staff in collaboration with the building principals to help educators improve their understanding of the cultural, societal, and social-emotional factors that can impact students' behavior and access to education
• Perform other duties as assigned

Your Skill Set:

As the incoming School Social Worker, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work or mental health counseling.
• At least 3 years of successful experience in social work, preferably in a diverse, urban, educational, or therapeutic setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to create an environment that promotes individual growth, positive self-identity, and inclusivity.
• Ability to collaborate and consult effectively with administration, staff, students, families, and other stakeholders to address a broad range of needs.
• Ability to assess complex situations and design individual, small group, and whole school interventions to address student needs.
• Demonstrated cultural proficiency and a deep sense of cultural humility, self-awareness, and reflection.
• Massachusetts Licensure: DESE School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor and clinical licensure (LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC) preferred
• Proficiency in a language other than English (preferred)

How to Join Our Team:

Apply online at www.cpsd.us. 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.