Social Worker for PS 958

School Name: PS 958

District: 15

School Site: 836-840 5^th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11232

Send Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio to: ps958hiring@gmail.com

POSITIONS

Social Worker

DESCRIPTION

Mission: PS 958 is a flexible space for learning that is universally designed, supports neurodiversity and is culturally responsive. Students engage in challenging, real-world exploration that utilizes research-backed instructional practices, builds critical thinking skills and fosters creativity. The school community will work collaboratively to design a student-driven learning experience that supports and affirms the intersection and complexities of all identities, especially those that have been historically marginalized.

• PS 958 will be an inclusive school that utilizes Universal Design for Learning to support diverse Learners.
• PS 958 will utilize structured literacy and project/problem based learning as key instructional practices.
• PS 958 is looking for instructional staff with a commitment to inclusive education and supporting students with disabilities.
• PS 958 is looking for instructional staff with the capacity to collaborate with diverse team members including related service providers, parents and community members to support individualized instruction for students.

Because we believe that all staff members play an important role in the education of our students, the school will offer opportunities for social workers to support and participate in activities such as:

• In-house school committees and/or special programs.
• Daytime professional development such as inquiry work, intervisitations, teacher common planning, and collaborative conversation

Advance notice of dates will be supplied, and those who participate will be compensated according to the terms of the UFT contract. Staff participation in these activities is voluntary, although strongly encouraged, as they are very important to the development of the school.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Licensed certified Social Worker in New York City schools, [bilingual +Spanish preferred] with satisfactory ratings and attendance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Because roles in small schools are varied and complex, serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume and cover letter experience and/or willingness to commit to the school’s mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:

• Practicing counseling to facilitate professional growth and collaboration that supports overall learning environment for students
• Counseling students, individually and in groups, regarding discipline, social and emotional development, substance abuse, conflict mediation, and making appropriate referrals
• Maintaining regular and open communication with parents
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with participating educational institutions, industry partners, and community-based organizations to support school initiatives
• Organizing orientations (new students), workshops (PTA/at risk students, OPWDD) and other public speaking events
• Providing strategies and work with teachers to promote social and emotional competence in the classroom
• Providing support to teachers to assess and address students’ social and emotional needs
• Participating in community outreach events that foster healthy family involvement
• Working collaboratively with staff to ensure services are most effectively organized for students
• Leading school’s Pupil Personnel Team (PPT) and effectively create and implement plans of action for students whom the team identifies as those needing interventions

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Willingness to carry out the above duties and responsibilities
• Ability to collaborate with staff
• Success in forming successful partnerships with community-based organizations and other organizations that offer social and emotional supports to students
• Knowledge of or ability to make referrals for students in need of additional services or alternative placements
• Evidence of successful counseling strategies with regard to discipline, social and emotional development, substance abuse, and conflict mediation
• Experience collaborating on an interdisciplinary grade level team
• Evidence of success with students who exhibit academic, social, and/or emotional struggles, English Language Learners, students with special needs, and their families
• Ability to intervene in crisis situations with verbal de-escalation techniques
• Evidence of success leading workshops and discussions with/for parents
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Commitment to continuous professional growth (e.g. professional development, formal education, professional literature)

In addition to the cover letter, resume, and interview, applicants must present three references including, if possible, one from a current supervisor. Other references might include a colleague with whom the applicant has collaborated, and/or a professional organization or staff development representative.

WORK SCHEDULE & SALARY

As per Collective Bargaining Agreement