LTS School Social Worker​/School Adjustment Counselor; Baker

Position: LTS School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor (Baker)
Job Description

The Public Schools of Brookline (PSB) seeks a compassionate and student-centered School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor who is dedicated to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment where all students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. This is a long-term substitute position to cover a maternity leave for the remainder of the school year. The grades K-8 School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor promotes and enhances the overall academic mission of the PSB Counseling and Clinical Services Department by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement.

Under the direction of the Building Principal and the Senior Director of Clinical Services and Social-Emotional Learning, the Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor delivers comprehensive school-based counseling services to students, parents, and school staff. This includes providing direct and indirect mental health services to students experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral problems that interfere with their performance in school, and facilitating communication among school, home, and community providers.

The Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor will provide direct and indirect services to students in special education and general education.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Direct Student Services

* Provide short-term and longer-term individual and group counseling to students whose social, emotional, or behavioral needs impact school functioning.

* Deliver Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS), including groups focused on social skills, emotional regulation, relationships, belonging, and coping strategies.

* Develop and implement treatment plans that support students' meaningful access to the curriculum and participation in school.

* Assess students for substance use, support systems, physical and emotional functioning, barriers to academic performance, peer issues, suicidal/homicidal ideation, and coordinate appropriate follow-up supports.

* Provide individual and/or group counseling to students and support staff during school-wide or community crises.

* Address attendance concerns through assessment, intervention planning, and collaboration with families and community agencies.

Consultation and Collaboration

* Collaborate with teachers and caregivers to develop and implement behavior support plans and classroom-based interventions.

* Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, including IEP, Section 504, Student Intervention Team (SIT), manifestation determination, and re-entry meetings following hospitalization or extended absence.

* Consult with administrators, teachers, and school staff regarding student mental health and behavioral concerns.

* Partner with social service agencies, mental health providers, and community organizations to coordinate services.

* Conduct home visits when appropriate to strengthen home-school partnerships.

Case Management and Family Support

* Provide case management services, including referrals to community-based mental health providers and social service agencies.

* Support families in accessing outside long-term or intensive counseling, psychiatric services, and other community-based resources.

* Coordinate home, school, and community supports in response to crisis or complex student needs.

Systems-Level Support

* Contribute to Tier 1 social-emotional learning initiatives and collaborate with staff to strengthen inclusive classroom communities.

* Provide professional development, workshops, and resources for staff and caregivers related to mental health, social-emotional development, and student support strategies.

* Support colleagues across schools as needed.

Professional Responsibilities

* Maintain accurate, confidential student records in compliance with FERPA, IDEA, and district policy.

* Complete required documentation and administrative responsibilities in a timely and organized manner.

* Adhere to professional ethical standards and applicable federal and Massachusetts laws and regulations.

* Actively participate in professional development opportunities, department meetings, and school-wide initiatives to continuously improve practices and contribute to a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

* Performing other duties as directed by school leadership.

Required Qualifications:

* Knowledge and skills for direct and indirect intervention including counseling on an individual, group, and family basis

* Understanding of child and adolescent development, psychopathology, social and environmental conditioning, trauma-informed practices, cultural diversity, and family systems

* Strong foundation in school counseling, social work, and psychology

* Ability to consult with administrators, teachers, caregivers, and other professionals about student challenges and appropriate change strategies

* Ability to network with…