Summary: 

The office of Student Support Services offers a paid social worker internship for eligible candidates in school social work.  This position reports to the Project Specialist.  

WISH: Winchester Investing in Student Mental Health will build a collaborative partnership between WPS and universities.  Under the direct supervision of a licensed school social worker, interns will work to meet the following roles and responsibilities:

• Uses the NASW Code of Ethics or other appropriate professional code of ethics as a guide to ethical decision making, while understanding the unique aspects of practice within the school setting.
• Conducts assessments of individuals, families and systems/organizations to inform the design of interventions and remove barriers to learning. Included in this responsibility is the completion of social and developmental histories for the purpose of special education evaluations and participation in the Eligibility Teams.
• As the Superintendent’s designee for the enforcement of Compulsory Education law, develops strategies to address truancy, completion of necessary documentation, attendance at court proceedings and other required attendance related meetings. 
• Identifies, contacts and works with outside community resources as necessary including Department of Social Services, Juvenile Probation and Juvenile and Domestic Court and the Community Services Board. 
• Remains current with school-based intervention research and utilizes evidence-based practice in service delivery. 
• Maintains timely, accurate and confidential records that document services, outcomes and promote accountability to the local education agency and community.
• Identifies homeless students as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act and provides assistance to families through linkages within the school and the community to lessen the impact of homelessness on the academic and social success of the children.
• Identifies strategies to promote a safe and supportive school environment, including the prevention and intervention of substance abuse and bullying and the promotion of a positive school climate and family engagement.
• Pursues continuous enhancement of knowledge and skills to provide the most current, beneficial and culturally appropriate services to students and families.
• Recognizes barriers to academic progress relating to cultural issues within the local education agency and develops strategies to remove these barriers.
• Serves as leader and consultant to facilitate an understanding of factors in the home, school and community that affect students’ educational experiences; also provide leadership and collaboration in the implementation of comprehensive school-based and school-linked programs that promotes student well-being and positive academic outcomes.
• Engages in advocacy that seeks to ensure that all students have equal access to education and services to enhance their academic progress. 
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the supervisor which are applicable to this position and in accordance with Winchester Public Schools policies and procedures.

Students interested in applying for an internship with WPS must provide the following materials electronically via the online application process:

• Verification of completion of all coursework/practicum experiences of a social work program
• A recommendation from the university that the student is eligible to enter into a social work internship

Qualifications:

• Working towards a Master’s degree in Social Work and is eligible for internship as determined by the graduate program
• Has strong oral and written communication abilities and productive time management skills
• Demonstrates leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary to work effectively with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and colleagues

 Salary & Workday: 

• Full-Time:  $50,715 annually, 7 hours a day, 180 days (two semesters), OR 7 hours a day, 90 days (one semester), benefits
• Part-Time:  Less than 7 hours a day, less than 90 days total, no benefits

Housing Stipend:  $1,200 for Full-Time Employees; $600 for Part-Time Employees, one time payment

Tuition Assistance:  $5,000 for Full-Time Employees; $2,500 for Part-Time Employees

Location:

Division-Wide

Start Date:

Upon Hire