Organizational Background
Rocking the Boat began as a boatbuilding afterschool project for high school students in the South Bronx and was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit in 2001. Today, the organization, with an annual budget of over $3.7 million, is a hub of youth development programming that serves nearly 2,500 community members annually. The mediums of boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing are paired with social-emotional, academic, and career counselling by a team of licensed social workers to have profound and lasting impact on participants.
Position Summary
The Apprentice/Alumni Social Worker supports the social and emotional needs of the 11th and 12th grade apprentices in Rocking the Boat’s Environmental, Boatbuilding and Sailing Job Skills programs as well as program alumni for six years following high school graduation. The position helps participants to confidently navigate educational, interpersonal, and family systems by providing individual and group mental health support, collaborating with schools, and making referrals to outside agencies when necessary. The Apprentice/Alumni Social Worker is a member of the four-person Social Work team, supervised by the Senior Director of Youth Development. The position collaborates with the Directors of the Job Skills Boatbuilding, Environmental, and Sailing Programs as well as the Student Program Social Worker, the College and Career Coordinator, and the Alumni Liaison to support their shared clients.
Responsibilities:
Mental Health and Personal Development Support

For both apprentices and alumni within six years of high school graduation:

• Provide short-term, goal-oriented counseling as well as emotional support and crises intervention, making referrals to external clinical resources whenever necessary
• In collaboration with the College and Career Coordinator, offer participants life skills training opportunities in areas such as financial management, health and healthcare, and civic engagement

For apprentices:

• Support personal growth through identifying practical challenges or outcomes and setting achievable goals
• Organize and lead two to three biweekly social/emotional groups based on interest and need throughout the year
• Participate in Job Skills Boatbuilding, Sailing, and Environmental programs both on and off site in order to develop deeper relationships
• Regularly engage schools, families, and other systems in supporting apprentice needs

For alumni within six years of high school graduation:

• Organize and lead two to three biweekly social/emotional groups based on interest and need throughout the year
• Conduct at least one mental health check in with each graduate annually
• Respond to any identified need by engaging local mental health resources

Post-Secondary Support

Collaborate with College and Career Coordinator in supporting apprentices in making informed post-secondary choices and in supporting them after high school graduation. This includes:

• Co-leading workshops for apprentices and their families that focus on topics that support preparation for college, trade school, and other post-secondary opportunities
• Working individually with apprentices throughout the year to support the social and emotional elements of exploring post-high school options and planning next steps
• Co-leading a week of local daytrips to local colleges during spring break and a four-day overnight trip to New York State colleges for juniors during their February break
• Support the College and Career Coordinator in leading five workplace visits each summer

Apprentice and Alumni Support and Engagement through Programs

• Plan and co-facilitate (with the Student Social Worker) three Friday “Chat n’ Chew” life skills workshops each fall and spring semester featuring experts who can speak to topics relevant to Rocking the Boat’s youth population
• Collaborate with the Social Work Team to lead fall and spring semester Family Nights
• Support and join Job Skills program staff in planning, organizing, and attending two single-day and overnight trips annually
• Collaborate with the College and Career Coordinator and the Alumni Liaison on organizing and leading two annual Alumni Reunions

Administration

• Actively use a Salesforce database to maintain all relevant client data and to record all client interactions
• Conduct annual social emotional learning assessments of all Apprentices using the Hello Insight evaluation tool
• Assist the Development Department in sharing student data and anecdotes of programmatic successes or challenges for reports and proposals

Intern Supervision

• Supervise and support an MSW intern

Qualifications
Required

• Registration as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• A strong commitment to youth development, social justice, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
• Highly developed organizational skills and an ability to work independently
• SIFI certified or desire to become SIFI certified
• Excellent communication and database skills
• Spanish language skills
• Experience working with high school-aged youth, preferably in New York City
• Commitment to experiential learning and non-traditional social work practice
• Flexibility and willingness to work as part of a team of non-social workers
• Valid NYS driver’s license with a clean driving record a plus

All Rocking the Boat employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to receive full set of vaccinations prior to employment.
Rocking the Boat offers

• Full-time salaried position: $60,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance and 401(k) with up to 6% employer match after first year
• 38 days paid time off (including sick and holidays)
• Opportunity to work with a creative, well-funded organization committed to youth development

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility at Rocking the Boat
Rocking the Boat is committed to creating an environment that promotes the diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility of all applicants and employees. The organization strives not only to accept but to affirm and celebrate all identities. Race, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, and veteran status are not barriers to employment at Rocking the Boat. Candidates should please feel welcome to communicate any special needs or requirements to be accommodated throughout the hiring process.
To apply:
To apply please send a detailed cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications along with a current resume to Alicia Miranda, Senior Director of Youth Development at alicia@rockingtheboat.org with Apprentice/Alumni Social Worker as the subject.