Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor- Therapeutic Program

Brookline High School is seeking a 1.0 FTE Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor to provide therapeutic support for emotionally and socially impaired students as identified on student’s IEPs in a therapeutic school program. This particular position is anticipated to primarily serve students in a substantially separate educational program  (called "ExCEL"), but may also

serve students in our other therapeutic programs along our therapeutic program continuum as student and programmatic needs dictate.

The Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor will be responsible for:

• Assessment of students’ social and emotional well-being through the school day
• Case management including student, parent/guardian, teachers, deans and other professionals for interventions and monitoring of student’s progress in social, emotional, behavioral and academic needs, identifying priorities and resources needed
• Parent/guardian engagement, including monitoring of students at–risk issues
• Social skill training related to social pragmatics, self advocacy, metacognitive strategies, anti bullying curriculum
• Individual and group/community therapy utilizing principles of CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and incorporating academic goals of self advocacy, and self determination skills
• Provide leadership, social skills modeling, and support in creating an emotionally safe place to students in the therapeutic milieu during their non-academic blocks (Break, Lunch etc)
• Consultation and collaboration with parents/guardians, teachers, collaterals, agencies, administrators and other professionals regarding social-emotional, academic, and behavioral challenges
• Crisis management
• Assistance with 8th→ 9th transition for identified at-risk students
• Acts as an advocate for all students utilizing skills that respect issues of cultural, ethnic, and gender expansive diversity to support equity for all students and families
• Develop and contribute to IEP development, including goals/objectives and progress reports.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws and district policies
• Working collaboratively with social workers, deans, educators, and related services providers
• Timely and efficient communication with educators and parents regarding student concerns, progress and transition planning
• Provide on site supervision to social work interns from accredited college partnerships
• Participate in classroom observations as part of assessment process for identifying student engagement, participation and behavior in the classroom
• Respond appropriately to building or district crisis
• Routinely attend clinical meetings, trainings and professional development as scheduled by the district
• Other duties as requested by the BHS Special Education Director, Special Education Coordinators, and BHS Headmaster

Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Perform responsibilities in an organized, accurate, timely, and dependable manner, consistent with ethical and legal guidelines 
• Operate within the federal and state laws and the established district and school procedures and policies

Additional Duties:

• Attend department meetings
• Participate with colleagues as a contributing member of the school community and contribute to school effectiveness
• Be actively involved in professional development (i.e. courses, workshops and in-service
• training) in order to be current in new methods and approaches in special education as well as to expand knowledge of best clinical practices for students in school base settings

• Required Qualifications:
• DESE Certification School Counselor, School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of theoretical frameworks of developmental, social and emotional development Familiarity with philosophy, principles, and practices in social work and counseling
• Familiarity with mental health and emotional disabilities including learning challenges affecting student achievement
• Experience with crisis management and intervention, including suicide and self-harm assessment

• Preferred Qualifications:
• 3-5 years experience in similar role in a high school setting
• Masters Degree
• Familiarity with Restorative Justice or willingness to get trained in Restorative Justice Tiered practices
• Familiarity with MTSS
• Willingness to be trained in de-escalation/safety care training

***All employees must be vaccinated and maintain full vaccination as a condition of employment or work as an on-site vendor/contractor, unless they receive approval for a documented medical or religious exemption in accordance with relevant state and/or federal law. 

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community. The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.