What are the responsibilities and job description for the School Social Work Graduate Trainee (CMS) position at paralosninos?
About PLN
Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children’s mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County.
Position Overview
This training track is for students seeking a Field Placement that leads to eligibility for the Pupil Personnel Services Credential (PPSC) in school social work. This track entails placement at one of our three Charter schools. We currently have a middle school (6th-8th grades), elementary (TK-grade 5) and a primary center (Tk-1st grade). Training within this track includes supporting with individual and small group counseling, attendance (includes tracking, meeting with parents, conducting home visits, supporting school staff with incentive programs); classroom interventions; presentations (i.e. topics such as bullying, conflict resolution, etc..); parent workshops; case management and crisis intervention. Students will have the opportunity to co-facilitate groups on topics such as social skills, bullying, etc.
- Supervision: Students receive 1 hour of individual and 2 hours of group supervision weekly. Individual supervision is done in person while group supervision is conducted via telehealth format. Group supervision consists of no more than 8 students. Students present cases each week in a structured presentation format to facilitate this area of their professional development.
- Meetings with Preceptors: Students are assigned a preceptor at the beginning of the training year who provides additional needed supports for the student to acclimate to their placement and be available in the event they have questions or crises arise.
- Trainings: Students participate in bi-monthly trainings. Trainings take place on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm. Various topics that have been presented previously include crisis intervention, compassion fatigue, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, attachment, brain development, toxic stress, art therapy and sensory processing disorders.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members required.
- BA / BS Degree.
- Concurrent enrollment in a graduate degree program.
- Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
- Current certification in CPR/First Aid.
- Must have reliable transportation and State required automobile insurance coverage and valid Class C California driver’s license (mileage to be reimbursed).
- Must have all required vaccinations, including influenza and Covid-19.
- Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
- Must be able to speak and hear well.
- Good vision is imperative.
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
- Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
- Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
- Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
- Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
- Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
- Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
- Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationship with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
- Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
- Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.