We're growing our innovative team at Paths for Families, dedicated to the life-long work of building and sustaining families. Position Overview The School Social Worker will provide school-based clinical services to Prince George's County high school students living in foster care, kinship care, or adoptive families, and their families. This professional ensures that exceptional, culturally competent, high-quality adoption and permanency competent counseling and support services are provided. The School Social Worker will carry a caseload of approximately 15 students and will provide comprehensive services including: individual therapy, facilitating parent workshops, working collaboratively with school staff, participating in educational meetings, and classroom observations.
The School Social Worker reports to the Senior School Social Worker. The position is a contract, time limited, hybrid position requiring both in person and virtual work. This position is projected to start in June 2024. Who We Are Paths for Families is an adoption and family well-being organization that partners with communities dedicated to the life-long work of building and sustaining families. For over 30 years, we've been here for expectant parents exploring adoption, birth parents, prospective and current adoptive families, children in need of adoption, people who were adopted, and professionals in the community. Our mission is to build and support healthy lifelong connections for every child and advocate for continuous improvement of systems that strengthen family well-being.
We practice IDEAS Principles (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Social Justice) and welcome all children, families, and team members regardless of gender identity, gender expression, age, race, religion, wealth, health, marital status, or sexual orientation. With IDEAS Principles as one of our core values , we believe in cultivating a healthy environment in which all employees feel supported while working to achieve our mission.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities Provide school-based therapeutic services (individual and family) to a caseload of approximately 15 adolescents and/or families in an adoption/permanency competent, trauma focused manner. Specific services include initial intake assessments, intensive counseling (TF-CBT), crisis-intervention, and case management including collaboration with school personnel. Sessions will include support and education around the following (but not limited to): loss and grief; trust and attachment; identity formation; effects of early childhood trauma; mental health, physical health, and development delays; school issues; foster care to guardianship; open adoption; foster care to adoption; interracial and/or intercultural adoption; and LGBTQ+ adoption. Facilitate parent groups utilizing TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention). Other duties as assigned by the Senior School Social Worker or Director of Clinical Services. Education & Experience Master's degree in social work. Current Maryland social work/mental health license required. 1-2 years of professional experience as an adoption/permanency-competent, attachment-focused, trauma-informed clinician including facilitation of groups. Preferred Skills & Abilities Knowledge of the clinical issues associated with adoption, foster care, kinship care, attachment disruption, and in trauma informed care. Knowledge of the impact of trauma and trained in therapeutic interventions and treatment for children, youth and families involved in child welfare in varying levels of permanency, including adoption, guardianship, foster care, and reunification. Training and experience in providing attachment focused, trauma informed, and permanency competent therapeutic services including: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention), and SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral and Treatment) preferred. (Will train the right candidate!) Excellent interpersonal, clinical, and organizational skills. Ability to work in a team and independently. Ability to prioritize and problem solve. Proficiency in Microsoft office suite of products and database case management. Ability to communicate and express ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work cooperatively with others, both clients and colleagues. Administrative ability to manage cases and maintain client files/case notes. Why Join Us? All are encouraged to apply whether a recent graduate or seasoned professional even if you don't meet all the job criteria. Paths for Families offers plenty of opportunities for growth and learning for the right team player.
If our mission and vision align with your personal values, we may be a good fit!
The salary for this position is $66,000 , with full benefits including:
$2,000 Incentive Bonus! Professional Development support Monthly CEU trainings Individual & Group Clinical Supervision (6 hours/month) Trauma-informed Care Trainings Flexible working environment Paid Vacation & Sick Leave - Over 4 weeks to start! Health, Dental & Vision Insurance - Including an HRA and FSA Paid Holiday Leave And More! To apply, a detailed cover letter outlining your qualifications for the position along with your resume is required. Interviews will be conducted virtually. Additional Notes Each employee is required to complete (and maintain as necessary) a physical exam to include a TB test, a criminal background check in identified jurisdictions, and Child Protective Services Registries check in identified jurisdictions, and orientation training.
Paths for Families is an equal opportunity employer and offers a pleasant, flexible work environment. To learn more, please visit
Principals only, no recruiters. No phone calls please.
