Social Worker

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston is seeking a Social Worker to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of youth and families across our clubs in Boston and Chelsea. The role includes short-term counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and linking families to community resources, with a commitment to safe, inclusive and trauma-informed environments.

You will lead program development for social-emotional learning, collaborate with leaders, and help implement PEAR Institute

Qualifications

• Experience providing short-term counseling and crisis intervention to youth.
• Ability to develop and implement prevention and intervention strategies with families.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and youth development.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term counseling, social-emotional and behavioral support to youth and families.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners to plan prevention and intervention strategies.
• Support member supervision and behavior management following BGCB policies.
• Identify and respond to concerns involving abuse, neglect, or family well-being with reporting procedures.
• Coordinate with community partners to expand access to social services for members and families.

Skills

Social work

Crisis intervention

Case management

Trauma-informed practices

Job description

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Of BOSTON

Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston have played an essential role in opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across this city. For every youth in Boston and Chelsea, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston are a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment that enables future talent to reach their full individual potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community.

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS Of BOSTON

Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston have played an essential role in opening doors and creating opportunities for young people across this city. For every youth in Boston and Chelsea, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston are a life-changing force for opportunity and empowerment that enables future talent to reach their full individual potential as productive citizens and leaders, inspired to make a difference in the Greater Boston community. By reaching 22 of 23 communities throughout Boston and Chelsea, no other youth serving organization engages more young people and families. Learn more at www.bgcb.org and join us in transforming our members, our communities, our city!

Position Overview

The Club Social Worker supports the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of youth and families through short-term counseling, crisis intervention, case management, community referrals, and social-emotional learning initiatives. The position collaborates with Club leadership, staff, families, and community partners to promote safe, inclusive, and trauma-informed environments that support positive youth development.

The Social Worker also leads the implementation of PEAR Institute's Clover Group and Holistic Student Assessment (HSA) at the Club. At designated sites, the position may oversee Inclusion programming, provide staff training, and guide youth development professionals in applying trauma-informed practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES And RESPONSIBILITIES

Commitment to Excellence in Social-Emotional Support, Crisis Intervention, and Youth Safety

• Provide short-term counseling, social-emotional and behavioral support, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, mediation, and individualized services to youth and families.
• Collaborate with Club staff, families, and community providers to develop and implement prevention and intervention strategies for members experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations and Club staff to support member supervision, behavior management, and appropriate positive redirection within program areas and throughout the Club following established BGCB behavior-management policies and practices.
• Identify and respond to concerns involving abuse, neglect or family well-being in accordance with applicable reporting requirements and established procedures, connecting members and families with appropriate social service resources.
• Respond to critical situations through crisis intervention, risk assessments, safety planning, and coordination with child welfare agencies, including the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as appropriate.

Family Engagement, Case Management, and Community Resources

• Build positive relationships with members and families, support family engagement, and connect youth and families with appropriate community services and resources.
• Provide case management and maintain accurate, confidential documentation of services, referrals, and meaningful interactions with members and families.
• Serve as the on-site 504 Accommodation Coordinator, providing guidance, coordination, and oversight of the Club's 504 accommodation process.
• Coordinate with community partners, consultants, and social service providers to expand access to specialized support, instruction, and resources for members, families, and staff.
• Develop and maintain a network of social service resources within the surrounding community.
• Participate in community-based meetings and initiatives addressing the needs and challenges of youth and families.

Program Development, Social-Emotional Learning, and Evaluation

• Develop and facilitate social-emotional learning and mental health awareness programming for youth ages 6-12 and teens.
• Integrate social work practices into Club activities and collaborate with other departments and BGCB sites to support programming.
• Lead the Club's trauma team and support the implementation of trauma-informed practices across Club policies, procedures, and programs.
• Serve as the Club's lead for PEAR Institute's Clover Group and Holistic Student Assessment (HSA), including monitoring implementation, facilitating weekly meetings, and using assessment data to inform youth development practices and programming.
• Participate in program evaluation and outcome-measurement efforts, including surveys and assessments, to evaluate the effectiveness of social work services and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in BGCB evaluation efforts throughout each program year, including the annual member survey.

Staff Supervision, Training, and Professional Development

• Provide staff training and guidance on youth development, behaviour management, trauma-informed practices, 51A reporting, and related topics.
• Collaborate with BGCB's Vice President of Learning & Development to support relevant professional development initiatives.
• Orient, train, supervise, and support assigned staff, including social work interns, Inclusion staff, wellness coaches, and other designated personnel.
• Participate in regular supervision and group reflection sessions to support professional growth and effective service delivery.
• Participate in weekly individual and group supervision sessions, including clinical supervision, and professional development opportunities as approved, provided, or directed.

Communication, Collaboration, and Resource Management

• Manage and monitor budgets, materials, equipment, and other resources supporting social work and wellness programming.
• Ensure practices align with established organizational policies, professional standards, and applicable requirements.
• Collaborate with Club leadership, youth development staff, families, and community partners to coordinate social-emotional support and promote consistent, effective practices across Club programs.
• Perform other related duties as specified by the Executive Director or VP of Integrative Health.

GENERAL BGCB EXPECTATIONS

• Healthy Behavior Modeling - Teaching youth/teens the importance of living an active, healthy lifestyle is a BGCB priority. As a result, all staff are expected to model healthy behaviour while working with our members.
• Inclusive Environment - BGCB values creating child‑friendly environments, where youth/teens of all abilities can be successful and participate. BGCB expects employees to embrace its focus on inclusion of all members, regardless of disability or developmental challenge.
• Continuous Learning - Building the capacity of staff is central to BGCB. The organisation encourages and requires that all staff participate in annual professional development opportunities that continue to cultivate their skills in the youth development field.
• Safe Spaces - Every staff member shares the