Description

El Puente seeks a dedicated and socially conscious Social Worker to join our Community School team. The position will utilize El Puente’s model for youth leadership and community development to nurture the next generation of leaders.

The Social Worker will provide comprehensive support to asylum-seeking students within a school setting in Brooklyn, New York. The position will conduct individual counseling sessions, lead group counseling sessions, plan workshops for teachers, and collaborate with school staff to create a nurturing and supportive environment for these students.

This position reports directly to the Community School Director. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, flexible, team-oriented environment, and is motivated by challenges. They will be able to manage multiple priorities and create systems to improve MS 50’s attendance improvement efforts. They will be able to build relationships with young people and their families, create collaborations, have a passion for social justice, and will understand how movement and community-building work take place through liberatory, meaningful interactions and co-learning with youth members and their families.

Who we are:

Founded in 1982, El Puente is a youth-centered organization that utilizes the arts and education to advance social and environmental justice. Our mission is to inspire and nurture leadership for peace and justice, working as a human rights institution in NYC and Puerto Rico with national and international impact. El Puente creates community-led movements of self-determination through a holistic leadership and membership program model, as a high-impact youth and community development organization. As a staff member of Social Worker is expected to uphold and work within the mission, philosophy, and principles of the organization.

El Puente integrates its activities and community campaigns within its six Youth Leadership Centers, and its nationally recognized public high school, the El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice. Organizing in North Brooklyn, Puerto Rico and beyond, El Puente remains at the forefront of community & youth development, and as such, initiates /impacts social policy locally and nationally.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities

1. Individual Counseling Sessions:

   1. Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions with asylum-seeking students to address their emotional, social, and academic needs.

   2. Provide crisis intervention and support as needed, addressing trauma-related issues and promoting resilience.

2. Group Counseling Sessions

   1. Lead group counseling sessions to foster peer support, resilience, and community-building among asylum-seeking students.

   2. Develop and facilitate psychoeducational groups to address common challenges faced by this population, such as acculturation stress and language barriers.

3. Workshops for Teachers:

   1. Plan and conduct workshops for teachers to enhance their understanding of the unique needs and challenges of asylum-seeking students.

   2. Provide guidance on trauma-informed approaches and culturally sensitive practices to support student well-being and academic success.

4. Collaboration and Advocacy:

   1. Collaborate with school administrators, teachers, and support staff to develop and implement strategies for creating an inclusive and welcoming school environment.

   2. Advocate for the needs of asylum-seeking students within the school community and beyond, connecting them with appropriate resources and support services.

5. Case Management:

   1. Provide case management services to help asylum-seeking students access essential resources, including healthcare, legal assistance, housing, and social services.

   2. Maintain accurate and confidential records of student interactions and progress towards goals

6. Other

   1. Support programs and campaigns aligned with the organization's mission as requested.

   2. Attend scheduled meetings, professional development and organizational training including annual all staff retreat in September.

   3. Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work or related field.

• Licensed or license-eligible as a social worker in the state of New York.

• Experience working with immigrant and refugee populations, preferably in a school or community-based setting.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, cultural competency, and social justice principles.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

• Commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of asylum-seeking individuals and their families.

Salary and Benefits:

• $75- $100 per hour, 10-15 hours per week

• Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

• Meaningful work contributing to the well-being and success of MS50 students and families.

COVID-19 considerations:

All new hires must submit proof of vaccination.

Location:

This is a temporary consultant position in person, position based in Brooklyn, NY.

Schedule:

Work days and hours may shift depending on scheduling needs.

El Puente is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a staff that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, DREAMers, as well as members of the LGBTQIA communities.