Behavioral Specialist

Start Date: July 1, 2017

The role of a Social Worker at Achievement First: 

The school social worker leads the school's efforts to ensure that students have the emotional support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Social workers collaborate and partner with students, parents, and members of the school staff.  The position reports jointly to the Director of Special Services and the principal of the building in they work.

Responsibilities of Achievement First Social Workers include, but are not limited to:

Student culture and character development

• Support the rules, systems, academic, and behavioral philosophy of Achievement First schools through counseling in one-on one and small group support sessions.
• Create a proactive counseling program that prevents crises and supports the academically rich environment of the school.
• Work closely with the Dean of Students to create and maintain a culture of excellence for all students
• Serve on special education committees to provide required IEP services.
• Organize and/or teach health education, sexual education, leadership, alcohol/drug prevention etc. as needed.
• Help maintain school and staff morale by organizing school-wide events.

Management

• Organize, plan, and regularly schedule student meetings around conflict resolution and anger management.
• Serve as the point person for all counseling issues that arise in the student body.
• Meet with individual students who require counseling on their IEPS.
• Use evidence-based practice to effectively develop treatment and intervention plans for students and families.
• Maintain close contact with teachers regarding student behavioral plans.
• Serve as the liaison to the school’s parent organization.
• Keep impeccable records of all school-related actions and initiatives.

Local and parent outreach

• Develop relationships with community organizations that can help support the school, students, and their families.
• Serve as a liaison between students/families and local social service agencies when necessary.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of external services and resources.
• Visit homes of Achievement First families when necessary.

Professional development

• Attend all staff meetings and professional development workshops.
• Model the schools REACH (Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work) values and set the standard for professional behavior.
• Work closely with teachers to help them to better understand and relate with challenging students.
• Lead workshops around issues of physical and social development in an effort to proactively address issues.

Skills and Characteristics

• History of professional success in planning, executing, and monitoring treatment plans
• Strong analytical, communication, and negotiation skills
• Flexibility- the ability to work autonomously as well as take direction as needed
• Strong organizational skills
• Belief in the Achievement First mission and educational model
• Maturity, humility, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and "roll-up-my-sleeves" attitude

Educational Background and Work Experience

• Master’s degree in social work, school counseling, or school psychology from a competitive college or university
• 2 years of previous experience with children and/or families in urban communities highly preferred
• LCSW preferred; Candidates must be licensed (LSW)
• Bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a competitive college or university highly preferred.

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, Achievement First offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Achievement First is an equal opportunity employer and an organization that values diversity. People from all diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. You can learn more about diversity at Achievement First here: http://achievementfirst.org/about-us/diversity/