Lead Social Worker

Who We Are

District of Columbia International School (DCI) is a public charter school serving over 1600 racially and economically diverse students in grades 6-12 from across the District of Columbia. We aim to provide our students with a world-class education that empowers them to follow their passions and change the world. DCI’s education centers on an International Baccalaureate curriculum, advanced language learning in Chinese, Spanish, and French, and a culture focused on student agency supported by 1:1 technology.

Position Overview: DCI is hiring a Lead Social Worker. This position entails leading and supporting the DCI social work team through coaching and supervision, as well as providing behavioral support counseling services to students with IEPs and 504 plans. This leader oversees the mental health programming of DCI to ensure a positive educational environment for all students. will help to promote a positive educational environment for all students. This position will also collaborate with appropriate personnel to ensure positive educational and counseling practices for the students.

Salary Range:  $69,966 - $116,323 (Starting salary is determined by education and years of relevant experience) 

Qualifications:

Master’s Degree in social work field required from an accredited institution. 

• LICSW licensure is preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish (preferred).
• Ability to meet requirements under ESSA.
• Familiarity with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 5 Education, The ASCA National Model: A Framework for School Counseling Programs, ASCA National Standards, ASCA School Counselor Competencies, ASCA Ethical Guidelines, ASCA School Counselor Performance Standards, and  NASW Ethical Guidelines.
• Experience supervising or leading teams preferred.
• Experience working with and collaborating across multiple teams within a school setting.
• Experience as a related service provider in schools, secondary experience preferred.
• Experience working closely with diverse families of students with disabilities.
• Knowledge about special education and 504 practices and regulations, particularly those pertaining to DC schools.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interest in, or experience with, language immersion, 1:1 technology, and IB Middle Years Program model.
• Commitment to keeping current on best practices and evidence-based interventions in special education, technology, and general education.
• Commitment to ensuring access and achievement for our learners with exceptional learning needs.
• Clear a background check.

Key Qualities & Skills:

• Provide coaching and supervision of the social workers at DCI (ability to provide social work supervision hours preferred).
• Collaborate with (and report to) the Director of Student Support to ensure that all students with diverse needs are receiving appropriate support.
• Work directly with Principals, Assistant Principals, and Counselors to ensure that the work of the social workers is aligned with the vision of the schools and organization.
• Set goals for the Social Work team aligned to DCI’s strategic plan goals and progress monitor these goals throughout the school year.
• Act as the liaison between DCI and other supporting agencies (example: Mary’s Center and Department of Behavioral Health).
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments and write Behavior Intervention Plans and develop others on this team to also do this work. 
• Provide professional development for the mental health team, including School Counselors, at DCI and work with outside agencies to coordinate external professional development for the team.
• Provide direct support services to individual students, small groups, and classrooms, including through group and individual therapy and classroom support (roughly 50% of the role.)
• Serve as DCI’s Homelessness Liaison.
• Document all services in Powerschool Special Programs (special education database) and ensure that all other mental health providers do the same.
• Develop present levels, goals, and progress notes for students on caseload.
• Complete assessments, referrals, and counseling with students and families. 
• Provide crisis intervention and support leaders and teachers during times of crisis and emergency. 
• Utilizes responsive counseling, initiating individual and group sessions for students’ academic, social and personal concerns.
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