Our Social Workers play a vital role in supporting the mental and emotional well-being of scholars, preparing them for success both in the classroom and beyond. This role collaborates with school leadership and the scholar support team, serving as a bridge between our schools, families, and community.
Who You Are:
- Mission-Driven Educator: You are committed to the Democracy Prep mission of fostering college success and authentic civic engagement for scholars.
- Self-Reflective Professional: You actively align your work with Democracy Prep's commitment to antiracism and contribute to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.
- Collaborative Team Member: You work effectively with teachers and administrators to support a positive school community.
- Effective Communicator: You communicate clearly and persuasively, adapting your approach to various stakeholders.
- Certified School Social Worker: You hold a master's degree in social work (LMSW required) and have a passion for providing individualized support to youth.
- Supportive Professional: You are dedicated to ensuring scholars receive the emotional support needed to thrive academically and socially.
What You'll Do:
- Counseling and Direct Student Support: Provide individual and group counseling, focusing on scholars' social, emotional, and behavioral needs, utilizing therapeutic approaches such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Support Emotional Well-Being: Assist scholars in overcoming personal challenges and provide coping strategies for trauma, stress, and grief through evidence-based practices.
- Referrals and Resources: Connect scholars and families to external resources and services to address emotional, physical, or economic challenges, ensuring timely follow-ups.
- Mandatory Reporting: Act as a mandatory reporter for abuse or neglect cases, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
- Capacity-Building for Teachers and Staff: Provide professional development to staff on social-emotional learning (SEL), restorative practices, and DBT-informed strategies to support scholar regulation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support Student Success: Provide interventions that directly address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional challenges affecting scholars' well-being.
- Develop and Lead Professional Development: Train staff on SEL integration, restorative practices, and trauma-informed strategies.
- Track and Report Student Progress: Monitor scholar development through qualitative and quantitative measures, such as improved SEL competencies, reduced absenteeism, and increased engagement.
- Collaborate with Families: Develop resources and workshops that engage families in supporting their children's mental health and emotional development.
Qualifications:- A Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
- LMSW certification (required)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document counseling sessions and produce professional reports and presentations.
- Experience in coordinating professional development for staff and leading training sessions related to SEL, restorative practices, and mental health support.
- Understanding of confidentiality standards and the ability to maintain accurate and secure documentation in compliance with legal and organizational guidelines.
Work ScheduleThis is a fully on-site, school-based role that requires in-person attendance five days per week. The position does not include a remote or work-from-home option.
CompensationSalary range is $66,000 - $129,217 and commensurate with your experience. Democracy Prep employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, parental leave, a smartphone, and a laptop.
