In alignment with the district’s strategic plan, with a focus on equity and the Social Work Code of Ethics, and under general supervision of building administrators and the Assistant Director of Clinical Supports, social workers provide services at the universal/whole school (Tier I), targeted/small group (TierII) and intensive/individual (Tier III) levels to the support the social and emotional wellness and academic success of ALL students. Strong candidates should have knowledge and experience integrating trauma-informed approaches within a positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) framework, supporting the implementation of social emotional learning (SEL) curricula (e.g., Second Step at the primary level), and use of evidence-based clinical/counseling interventions for individuals and small groups.
Portland High School has an opening for a .5 School Social Worker. This is a one year only position. This position works as part of a team of social workers (4 total) In the building and also collaborates with all district social workers in the Portland Public Schools. Portland High School is a diverse school with a vibrant student body; it sits in the heart of downtown Portland, Maine.
Under general supervision of building administrators and the Director of Clinical and Behavioral Supports, social workers provide services to students to support social and emotional wellness and academic success. In alignment with the district’s Portland Promise and the Social Work Code of Ethics, Portland Public Schools social workers provide social emotional supports, clinical interventions and advocacy to students and families to reduce barriers and improve educational outcomes.
Duties IncludeParticipates 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 in order to ensure that children and families receive the full range of services they need.
Works with school community with attention to equity and cultural humility.
Provides assessment and referrals for substance abuse issues and provides input and recommendations for treatment.
Participates in the individual education plan (IEP), 504, and response-to-intervention (RtI) teams and provides services as determined.
Supervises student social work interns.
Maintains appropriate school records and provides written reports and communications; participation as a resource person in in-service training and planning.
RequirementsMasters degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Experience in the delivery of clinical services to students and families.
Additional Combinations Of Applicable Education, Training, And Experience.LCSW preferred. LCPC considered.
Duties And Responsibilities

• Participates in efforts to strengthen schoolwide (Tier I) behavioral supports.
• Provides evidence-based small group (Tier II) and individual (Tier III) interventions to students based on needs assessments and progress monitoring/evaluation.
• Participates in the individual education plan (IEP), 504, and response-to-intervention (RtI) teams and provides services as determined; responsibilities are shared between the two school social workers in the building.
• Participates in school-based teams involving collaboration with other school personnel and community agencies.
• Provides professional development opportunities for the school community (e.g., whole school presentations on the impact of trauma on the brain/learning during childhood, de-escalation skills, etc.; coaching to individual educators around trauma-informed care).
• Works with the school community to ensure that equity and cultural responsiveness are prioritized. enhance attention to equity and cultural humility.
• Consults and coordinates child welfare and safety referrals and provides follow-up case-management.
• Provides crisis intervention and appropriate referrals and follow-up.
• Serves as a liaison between school, family and community resources; serves as a source of information regarding community resources (e.g., food, housing, clothing, support services).
• Maintains appropriate documentation and provides written reports and communications; participation as a resource person in in-service training and planning.
• Maintains professional boundaries, code of ethics, and confidentiality.
• Provides supports, guidance, and referrals around areas of basic needs such as clothing, food, housing, etc.
• Performs related work as needed.

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

• Masters 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.

Preferred Qualification Standards

• A valid license issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Examiners.

NOTE: While a valid license issued by the Maine State Board of Social Work Examiners is preferred,
recent graduates of masters programs in social work and individuals seeking licensure are encouraged
To Apply If They Meet Minimum Qualifications Standards.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.