Social Worker - Maine Connections Academy

School Summary Maine Connections Academy (MCA) is a tuition-free, full-time, virtual public charter school for students in grades 7–12 statewide. MCA launched during the 2014-15 school year and is authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission. Connections Academy is a division of Connections Education, which is accredited by Cognia.

Position Overview: A school social worker is responsible for providing high-quality, virtually delivered school-based Mental Health services to grade 7–12 students in the general education setting. The Social Worker significantly contributes to the development of a healthy, safe, and caring environment by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student successes and by implementing effective intervention strategies. This ten-month position primarily involves working from home, with a monthly requirement for in-person professional development.

Job responsibilities for School Social Worker:

• Provide direct and consultative mental health counseling services in both individual and group formats in accordance with students’ social-emotional needs
• Support students within a Multi-Tiered System of Support
• Conduct educationally related mental health assessments and behavior plans
• Provide homeless support to students in need
• Complete progress monitoring documentation in the school’s information management system
• Lead a school-based team focused on identifying and providing behavior interventions and/or SEL supports
• Work with school teams to identify and help families access school and community resources, in order to remove barriers to attendance and academic success
• Consult and collaborate with caretakers, school staff, and outside agencies
• Serve as an IEP, 504 and RTI team member as needed
• Serve as the immediate point of contact for students in crisis
• Provide regular trainings and workshops to school staff and parents on SEL and relevant issues affecting students
• Stay abreast of current issues faced by Maine students, including child abuse and neglect, homelessness, foster care, and other social work issues

Required Skills:

• Self-motivated and eager to create a positive difference in the lives of at-risk students
• Strong communication skills and dedicated to working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team and families
• Exceptional organization, problem-solving, and time management skills
• Excellent technological skills, including the ability to learn new software and programs, complete digital paperwork requirements, communicate effectively via email, and have a willingness to learn new skills/complete basic troubleshooting
• Experience working in a virtual environment preferred.

Required Experience

• Master’s Degree in Social Work

• Preference given to LMSW, LSW, or LCSW

• Preference will be for those who have worked in a school setting previously

Note: The anticipated starting salary for Maine-based individuals expressing interest in this position begins at $42,500.00 per year. Benefits available to eligible employees can be seen at https://www.connectionsacademy.com/careers/benefits.