Position: Social Worker for Students/Families Experiencing Housing Insecurity (1.0 FTE)
Available through no later than June 30, 2022
Office of Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

Overview of Cambridge Public Schools:
Cambridge is a vibrant, diverse city as well as a central hub and driver of the nation's innovative economy. Home of the renowned educational institutions of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge is also the center of an impressive array of biotechnology, science, and information technology companies.

Educating about 8,000 students JK-12, the Cambridge Public Schools consists of diverse and dedicated faculty, cutting edge technology, and innovative programs. While each of our public schools is unique, they are joined in a shared vision of rigorous, joyful, and culturally responsive learning. Over 30% of CPS students speak a language other than English at home and over 70 languages are spoken by our families. Among the most common are Spanish, Haitian Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Portuguese. Our schools proudly embrace this diversity.

The Role:
The Social Worker for Students/Families experiencing housing insecurity reports directly to the Chief of Equity, Belonging and Inclusion and works closely with the Director of Family Engagement. Key responsibilities include:

• Assist students and families experiencing housing insecurity, receive access to resources in order to secure housing, food, employment, health care and/or other wrap around services
• Help students and families navigate and establish connections in school and community resources
• Work collaboratively with staff in the Student Registration Center to connect with students and families as they transition into school
• Work collaboratively with school and district social workers, family liaisons, counselors, teachers and principals across the school district to meet the needs of students and families including but not limited to; securing housing, assistance and related services
• Collaborate with the Office of Student Services, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, community partners and other agencies to support students involved with the Dept of Children and Families (DCF)
• Other related responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Family Engagement and/or Assistant Superintendents

Your Skill Set:
As the incoming Social Worker, you will possess many, though perhaps not all, of the following characteristics and qualifications:

• Demonstrate knowledge of theories of psychopathology and of individual, group, family dynamics and interventions
• Demonstrate competences in understanding of psychology of learning, learning disorders and the effects of disabilities on learning
• Assess behavior, including interpretation of testing, knowledge of diagnosis and treatment planning
• Demonstrate skills and techniques of consultation, referral, collaboration, crisis intervention and working with interdisciplinary teams
• Provide preventive interventions to deal with emotional issues impacting on student's academic achievement, e.g. sexuality, drug, alcohol use, violence, and/or physical abuse
• Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws related to schools, services to students, child abuse, and custody. Understand the implications of liability and requirements of due process
• Communicate in a clear direct and responsive manner to the needs of students and families within the school community
• Provide clinical services, that enable students and families to identify and change behaviors that interfere with students' academic, emotional and social performance
• Ensure equity for all students and families and value diversity of school environment and community
• Engage in professional development, activities and remain current on research
• Complete trainings related to McKinney Vento Law, CPS student registration, culturally sensitivity, and family engagement
• Adhere to professional and ethical standards of professional behavior that contribute to addressing the needs of students and families

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college/university
• MA License (certification): School Social Worker
• Knowledge of and experience working with students and families with diverse social, language, and behavioral needs
• Strong working knowledge of behavioral principles
• Experience working in a public school setting is preferred
• Bilingual/Bicultural (preferred)
• Culturally proficient and responsive

Cambridge Public Schools is committed to slowing and/or stopping the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, as a condition of employment with Cambridge Public Schools, all new hires will be required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 no later than their first day of work.

How to Join Our Team:
Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.