Social Worker

Jordan Boys & Girls Club, Chelsea; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston seeks a Social Worker to support youth and families with short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and case management at the Chelsea site. The role emphasizes trauma-informed practices and collaboration with Club leadership to promote safe, inclusive environments.

MSW is required, with LCSW licensure pursued within six months of hire. The position includes supervising staff, coordinating with partners, and implementing SEL programming while ensuring documentation

Qualifications

• MSW degree required; must obtain LCSW licensure within six months of hire.
• At least three years of experience working with youth and families.
• Strong knowledge of child/adolescent development, SEL, and youth development principles.
• Knowledge of Boston and Chelsea communities and local resources.
• Crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavioral-support skills.
• Experience with case management, referrals, confidential documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to work with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible schedule including some evenings and weekends; MA driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term counseling, social-emotional and behavioral support, crisis intervention, and individualized services to youth and families.
• Collaborate with Club staff and partners to develop prevention and intervention strategies.
• Support supervision, behavior management, and redirection across program areas following BGCB policies.
• Identify and respond to abuse/neglect concerns, connecting families with services.
• Respond to crises with risk assessments and safety planning, coordinating with child welfare agencies as needed.
• Build relationships with members and families; maintain confidential service documentation.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Documentation

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Driver's license

Education

MSW degree

LICSW licensure preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based systems

Job description

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, behavior 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 behavior 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 organization 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 responsibility for ensuring BGCB is, and remains, an environment free of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Master of Social Work (MSW) degree required at hire. Must obtain and maintain Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) licensure within six months of employment.
• At least three years of experience working with youth and families, including experience obtained before or after completion of the MSW.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development, social-emotional learning, and youth development principles.
• Knowledge of social service issues, current practices, and community resources relevant to youth and families.
• Strong understanding of the Boston and Chelsea communities and the resources available to support youth and families.
• Demonstrated crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and behavioral-support skills.
• Experience with case management, referrals, confidential documentation, and recordkeeping.
• Ability to respond effectively and professionally to high-stress situations and emotionally challenging circumstances.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth and families from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with Club staff, families, and community partners.
• Flexibility to work Club hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, as seasons and service needs change.
• Valid Massachusetts driver's license.

Preferred or Ideal

• Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) licensure (an additional pay differential and expanded responsibilities may apply in accordance with BGCB's established compensation practices).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based systems.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.

TRAVEL

Travel between BGCB sites and to meetings, trainings, community-based activities, and other events as needed.

START DATE

December 2026 (desired start date yet position open until filled)

LOCATION

Chelsea, MA (Jordan Club)

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary - $75,190/year - $84,956/year - commensurate with experience; along with competitive benefits and a great work environment.

Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual and reproductive health choices, marital status, age, pregnancy, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities. Please visit our website at https://www.bgcb.org

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.