Part-Time Social Worker (0.5 FTE) - Portland High

TITLE: Part-TimeSocial Worker (0.5 FTE) – Portland High

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Portland Public Schools seeks a talented, dedicated social work provider to join the Student Support Team and support students at Portland High School. This position works as part of a team of student support professionals in the building and also collaborates with all district school social work providers in the Portland Public Schools. Social work providers address barriers that impede students' abilities to access their education by evaluating, engaging, and providing direct and indirect services to support social and emotional wellness and academic success. In alignment with the district's Strategic Plan and the Social Work Code of Ethics, Portland Public Schools social work providers provide social emotional support, clinical interventions, and advocacy to students and families to reduce barriers and improve educational outcomes.

Strong candidates will have knowledge and experience integrating trauma-informed and culturally-responsive approaches within a positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) framework, supporting the implementation of social emotional learning (SEL) curricula, and use of evidence-based clinical/counseling interventions for individuals and small groups.

The position included making home visits, connecting families to resources in the community including housing needs.  With our school social workers, this position will work with community groups to provide services to families.  Ideally we would like to have a person who speaks another language or languages, and has experience working with multicultural and multilingual populations.  

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in school-based teams involving collaboration with other school personnel and community agencies
• Consults and coordinates child welfare and safety referrals and provides follow-up case-management
• Provides crisis intervention and appropriate referrals and follow-up
• Makes referrals to public or private agencies with appropriate follow-up
• Serves as a liaison between school, family and community resources; serves as a source of information regarding community resources
• Collaborates with families to strengthen home-school communication in order to reduce barriers to students and families in participating in the education process
• Applies knowledge of health, mental health, disabilities, and child development across various cultural frameworks in order to ensure that children and families receive the full range of services they need
• Works within school community with attention to equity and cultural humility
• Participates in the individual education plan (IEP), 504, and response-to-intervention (RtI) teams and provides services as determined
• Maintains appropriate school records and provides written reports and communications; participation as a resource person in in-service training and planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of the pertinent standards and regulations in Maine programs, low-income and culturally diverse populations, and trauma-informed practices
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of social work
• Knowledge of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS)
• Ability to collaborate with a diverse social work and teaching staff
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with PPS, community agencies, staff and families
• Effective team leadership skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, proficient computer skills, and time-management

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university
• Experience in delivery of clinical services to students and families
• Additional combinations of applicable education, training, and experience

CREDENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• A valid license issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Examiners
• LCSW preferred; LCPC and LMSWcc considered
• Maine State fingerprint (CHRC) authorization (more info here – cost is $70)

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:

• Schedule: School Year, Part Time (0.5 FTE)
• Assignment: Permanent
• Reports to: School Principal
• Contract: Part of PEA union (see 2025-2028 CBA here)
• Salary: Based on education and experience, as outlined in CBA
• Benefits: Eligible for benefits as outlined here

ABOUT PORTLAND HIGH:

Portland High School, located in Portland, ME, is a vibrant public school serving grades 9–12 with a commitment to academic excellence and student success. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum including advanced placement and honors courses, alongside electives in arts, and sciences, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Portland's inclusive and supportive community promotes equity, celebrates diversity, and encourages student leadership through a rich array of athletics, arts, and extracurricular activities. Dedicated educators work collaboratively to create a positive learning environment that supports both academic and social-emotional growth. Strong partnerships with families and local organizations further enrich the educational experience, preparing students for college, career, and civic life.

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Portland Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws.