Job Goal: The Somerville Community Schools Program provides After School and Out of School Time Care in the Somerville Public Schools. We operate After School programs from school dismissal until 5:30 pm including early release days; full day programs during school vacation weeks and during summer. It is our mission to provide high quality, affordable, Out of School Time Care to Somerville children in grades Pre-K through 8.

The person selected for this position will be under the direct supervision of the Student Services Coordinator for Community Schools program of Somerville Public Schools. The therapeutic specialist will be responsible for providing an appropriately safe, caring and enriching environment for the children enrolled in the Community School After-School program.

Qualifications:

• Hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field
• Experience working with children and families with emotional and behavioral challenges, including those affected by trauma and from multi-cultural backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications:

• Currently pursuing Master’s degree in related field

Responsibilities:

• Communicate with youth in a therapeutic manner to facilitate emotional expression, self-awareness, self-esteem and social skill development
• Plans and leads social-emotional activities to facilitate healthy expression and communication
• Helps youth enhance their social skills, build healthy peer relationships, and better communication with their peers
• Provide modifications and/or accommodations (i.e. academic or behavioral support) to students with higher needs as designed by qualified Special Education staff according to individual IEP goals, to special education students in both inclusive and separate class settings
• Provide supervision and support to special education students in non-instructional settings as assigned by coordinators and administrators.
• Maintain daily communication with the student services coordinator, site coordinator, parents, and program staff.
• Attend to crisis situations that may arise during After-School hours

Terms of Employment:

• 3 hours per day
• Up to 18 hours per week Monday-Friday
• 2:30pm-5:30pm, early release Wednesday at 1:00pm
• Professional development available

Position Reports to: 

The Somerville Public Schools does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, home status, marital/civil union status, sex/gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, citizenship status, place of birth, national origin, ancestry, cultural identity, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.