Social Worker for MS 419

School Name: MS 419

District: 24

School Site: 111-12 Astoria Boulevard, Northern Corona, NY 11369

Send Cover Letter, Resume and Portfolio to: JoinThe419Tigers@gmail.com

POSITIONS

Social Worker

DESCRIPTION

M.S. 419 is currently seeking passionate, creative, and innovative educators to be part of a dynamic goal-oriented team for a brand new middle school. The M.S. 419 community will be encouraged to amplify each individual’s strengths and foster a love for learning. By the time students graduate, they will have developed a strong sense of self, voice, and identity; have the tools to act with social and emotional intelligence, be conscious of their impact on the world; and engage responsibly in a global society. We promote intellectual curiosity and empower civic-oriented learners to achieve their full potential.

The curriculum is aligned to the Cr-Se framework, acknowledges diverse skills, and involves students as co-creators in the educational process by adopting the habits of mind and the personalized framework. These language and mindset habits will be woven throughout daily instruction.

Students will have two periods of "Genius," which will focus on project based learning and inquiry. During this period, educators will provide students the chance to explore their passion projects. Students will construct digital portfolios that will follow them throughout their educational career by uploading, reflecting, and showcasing their body of work. Once a week, students will participate in advisory, which will be developed in stages with a mixed pedagogical approach. The overall goal is to provide students with the tools they will need to be socially emotionally intelligent, develop a strong sense of self, and learn how to utilize their voice so they are empowered to engage civically.

A 2-day summer planning institute will offer an essential opportunity for staff to be involved in developing the school’s culture and instructional program. Because we believe that all staff members play an important role in the education of our students, the school will offer opportunities for social workers to support and participate in activities such as:

• After-school and/or Saturday tutoring programs, enrichment, sports, arts, and family programs
• In-house school committees and/or special programs
• Daytime professional development such as inquiry work and collaborative conversation among staff members

Advance notice of dates will be supplied, and those who participate will be compensated according to the terms of the UFT contract. Staff participation in these activities is voluntary, although strongly encouraged, as they are very important to the development of the school.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Licensed certified Social Worker in New York City schools, Spanish language preferred, with satisfactory ratings and attendance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Because roles in small schools are varied and complex, serious consideration will be given to applicants who demonstrate in their resume and cover letter experience and/or willingness to commit to the school’s mission and core beliefs and to become involved in these essential aspects:

• Serving as a faculty-advisor to a small “advisory group” of students throughout their duration in school, and attending professional meetings to support this work
• Participating in regular faculty development, reflective practice, professional organizations, peer coaching and Critical Friends Group work
• Counseling students, individually and in groups, regarding discipline, social and emotional development, substance abuse, conflict mediation, and making appropriate referrals
• Developing and maintaining partnerships with participating educational institutions, industry partners, and community-based organizations to support school initiatives including job shadowing, internships, and other academic opportunities
• Having an open door policy for all members of the school community
• Providing strategies and work with teachers to promote social and emotional competence in the classroom
• Participating in community outreach events that foster healthy family involvement
• Working collaboratively with staff and families to address attendance issues and help improve students’ attendance
• Working collaboratively with staff to ensure services are most effectively organized for students
• Leading school’s Pupil Personnel Team (PPT) and effectively create and implement plans of action for students whom the team identifies as those needing interventions

SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Willingness to carry out the above duties and responsibilities
• Ability to collaborate with staff and participate in an Advisory program.
• Success in forming successful partnerships with community-based organizations and other organizations that offer social and emotional supports to students
• Knowledge of or ability to make referrals for students in need of additional services or alternative placements
• Evidence of successful counseling strategies with regard to discipline, social and emotional development, substance abuse, and conflict mediation
• Ability or willingness to develop conflict resolution programs including, but not limited to, restorative justice and peer mediation
• Clinical experience with addressing contemporary issues that affect youth living in high poverty communities
• Evidence of success with students who exhibit academic, social, and/or emotional struggles, English Language Learners, students with special needs, and their families
• Ability to intervene in crisis situations with verbal de-escalation techniques
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and writing with colleagues, parents, students, and the community
• Commitment to continuous professional growth (e.g. professional development, formal education, professional literature)

In addition to the cover letter, resume, and interview, applicants must present three references including, if possible, one from a current supervisor. Other references might include a colleague with whom the applicant has collaborated, and/or a professional organization or staff development representative.

WORK SCHEDULE & SALARY

As per Collective Bargaining Agreement