Social Worker​/Adjustment Counselor, Cambridgeport

Position :
Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor

Cambridgeport/Office of Student Services

At the Cambridgeport School, we believe that learning unfolds when we provide conditions in which children can explore, inquire, and shape their own understandings. Cambridgeport teachers and families work as a community toward assuring success for every child. The school values the culture and beliefs that each child brings to the classroom, and teachers believe that children must engage with their world in order to make sense of it and build their knowledge.

Each student is expected to take responsibility for his/her own learning while collaborating, supporting, and respecting others.

Teachers provide learning experiences that guide and capture our students’ interests while at the same time helping them to develop literacy and math skills, think critically, problem solve, and engage in rich scientific and historical inquiry.

The Office of Student Services (OSS) is responsible for providing a variety of supports and services to students in Cambridge Public Schools (CPS). Our programs are dedicated to ensuring equitable access and success for students with disabilities and students who have advanced learning needs.

The School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor reports directly to the Director and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Demonstrate knowledge of theories of psychopathology and of individual, group, and family dynamics and interventions
• Demonstrate competencies in understanding the psychology of learning, learning disorders, and the effects of disabilities on learning
• Assess behavior, including interpretation of testing, knowledge of diagnosis, and treatment planning
• Demonstrate skills and techniques of consultation, referral, collaboration, crisis intervention, and working with interdisciplinary teams
• Provide preventive interventions to deal with emotional issues impacting students’ academic achievement
• Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws related to schools, services to students, child abuse, and custody. Understand the implications of liability and requirements of due process
• Communicate in a clear, direct, and responsive manner to the needs of students and families within the school community
• Progress monitor student mastery of IEP goals and objectives using various assessments and data collection tools
• Develop Individualized Education Programs for students based on various types of data specific to the student’s present levels of functioning and performance
• Provide clinical services that enable students and families to identify and change behaviors that interfere with students' academic, emotional, and social performance
• Ensure equity for all students and families, and value diversity of the school environment and community
• Engage in professional development activities and remain current on research
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards of professional behavior that contribute to addressing the needs of students and families
• Other duties as assigned

As the incoming Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college/university required.
• Required MA License (certification): DESE School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor and LCSW, LICSW or LMHC
• Knowledge of and experience working with students with social, language, and behavioral deficits.
• Strong working knowledge of behavioral principles.
• Experience working in a public school setting is preferred.

Apply online d.us. Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.