School-Based Social Worker, Gr. 9-12; SY

To be considered for this position, candidates must apply to the Social Worker [Candidate Pool Posting] (SY26-27) and be screened through the Central Office screening process.

The Boston Public Schools is committed to providing every child in every classroom an equitable, world‑class, high‑quality education with the same unfettered access to every conceivable resource to unlock the greatness within them. As part of an equitable Multi‑tiered System of Supports that advances students’ learning and outcomes, the Office of Social Work serves BPS students and families by supporting school‑based Social Workers across the district with providing high‑quality, culturally responsive direct services.

The Office of Social Work supports social workers with consultation, professional development, and crisis response. Through a regional support model, all school‑based social workers receive support from a District Social Worker in addition to the Program Director of Social Work. The Office of Social Work aims to provide high‑quality culturally and linguistically relevant mental health support in all BPS schools.

The Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) seeks an exceptional Social Worker who is highly qualified and knowledgeable to join our community of teachers, learners, and leaders. Kennedy Academy teachers and leaders are committed to the vision of high expectations for achievement, equal access to high‑quality instruction, academic proficiency for all students, and the closing of the achievement gap among subgroups within the schools.

Kennedy Academy is a Horace Mann In‑District Charter High School. It is a college‑preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in health and health‑related fields. The Academy provides a supportive learning environment that promotes respect and embraces diversity. Students will attain the life skills needed to become productive and positive members of society. Kennedy Academy is a great place for those who seek to work in an environment that supports their creativity and innovation and respects their skills and abilities as educators.

In addition, over the next five years, Kennedy Academy will double in size, add new health‑care pathways, college courses, and work‑based learning, and offer graduates access to good‑paying careers at Mass General Brigham thanks to a $38 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which marks the largest philanthropic investment in BPS history.

Head of School

Kennedy Academy School‑Based Social Worker will support the implementation of behavioral health supports, including trauma response and recovery, healing, and resiliency‑focused school social work services. The Social Worker will support students and families in creating conditions that enable students to achieve their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally. The BPS Office of Social Work supports school‑based social workers with consultation, professional development, and crisis response.

The Kennedy Academy Social Worker, in partnership with other BPS providers and outside mental‑health partners, will support school communities by:

• providing individual and group counseling and assessments;
• crisis intervention and response;
• managing a caseload and coordinating referrals to external agencies and programs;
• partnering with students and families.

Through a lead role in the Student Success Team (SST) and other leadership bodies within the school, and by working in close collaboration with other school‑based teams, Social Workers will:

• facilitate or collaborate, as needed, with School Leaders, colleagues, and other stakeholders in the collection and monitoring of data to identify trends and policies that may be creating or exacerbating issues that lead to counseling and Tier 2/3 support;
• utilize district‑wide SST guidance implementation tools and support to actively assess Student Success Team practices;
• continuously develop their own racial/cultural awareness and forge authentic relationships that allow for cultural learning and understanding with students and…