Anticipated Early Education Social Worker (SY 25-26)

Position: Social Worker

Department: General Education

Location: Early Steps Integrated Pre-School

Reports to: Principal
Affiliation: WEA Unit A

Salary range: As determined by Unit A Salary Schedule

*This is an anticipated position, contingent upon approval of the school budget.*

Job Description
Watertown Public Schools seeks an outstanding mental health professional who is passionate about education to serve as Social Worker. The Early Childhood Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting young children and their families, promoting social, emotional, and developmental growth in early childhood settings. This position involves working with students age 3-5, assessing their needs, and providing resources, interventions, and support to enhance their well-being and overall development. The Early Childhood Social Worker collaborates with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure children have the emotional, social, and psychological support they need to thrive in early education environments. This position requires excellent spoken and written communication skills, the ability to connect across diverse cultures, and a strong commitment to educational equity for all students.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments of student's social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

• Develop individualized intervention plans based on the needs of children and their families.

• Provide counseling and guidance to students and families experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social difficulties.

• Work with families to address concerns about student development, family dynamics, and other social factors affecting student's well-being.

• Serve as a liaison between families, schools, and community resources, advocating for student's needs.

• Assist families in accessing support services such as mental health counseling, housing assistance, and healthcare.

• Support the development of students’ coping strategies to improve academic access and outcomes
• Maintain collaborative relationships with school-based staff, families, and outside therapists, physicians, and public agencies to support students’ growth
• Assist students and families by identifying resources, providing information, referral and support
• Consult and collaborate with other school personnel in gathering and giving information regarding students, and in establishing plans for interventions and supports, as needed
• Serve as a resource for other school personnel regarding adjustment situations
• Serve as a member of the School’s Critical Incident Team and Student Support Team
• Collaborate with teachers and other staff as needed to promote student success
• Provide individual student and school-wide crisis intervention, as needed
• Provide direct individual and group counseling to students who need counseling services in school in order to access the curriculum, both in the general education setting and as determined by students Individualized Education Plans
• Create (write), review, and implement IEP goals as needed
• Participate in IEP meetings as needed
• Help facilitate the implementation of accommodations and modifications outlined in students' IEPs, ensuring that these students receive the necessary support to succeed in the classroom.
• Work collaboratively with the special education team, teachers, psychologists, and parents to ensure that students' unique needs are addressed effectively.
• Conduct mental health screenings to determine safety and additional clinical needs
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal or Director of Student Services

Minimum Qualifications:

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Certification as a School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor
• Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Pushtu, Urdu, or other language, preferred
• Three years experience, preferred
• Master’s degree, preferred
• Valid driver’s license

Job Requirements

• At least 3 years of relevant experience preferred
• Master degree preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer

Watertown 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 identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.