Interim Social Worker

Ellis Early Learning, “Ellis,” (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Ellis provides high-quality early education and care for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.

Ellis is among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving children in Boston and is accredited by the NAEYC. Through a partnership with Boston Public Schools, it also operates four Boston Pre-K classrooms (formerly known as UPK).

Ellis serves children from four weeks to five years old and operates two centers in the South End and a third center in Jamaica Plain, serving over 300 children annually.

Approximately 20% of Ellis students have open cases with the Department of Children and Families, and approximately 11% of students are experiencing homelessness.

Ellis Vision

Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Ellis Mission

Ellis partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Learn more at ellisearlylearning.org.

Position Overview

As a key member of our four-person Family Engagement Team, the Interim Social Worker will provide dedicated support to 10 early education classrooms located at our 58 Berkeley Street school.

This is a short-term interim position, running from October through February, providing coverage during an employee’s approved parental leave and ensuring continuity of support for children, families, and educators during this period.

Each Ellis school site is assigned its own Social Worker, and the organization is also supported by a Family Navigator who serves all three sites. The Family Engagement Team meets weekly to collaborate, reflect, and ensure that the needs of children and families are consistently met with care and intention.

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES

Social Work Program Administration

Coordinate with DCF and Adoption Social Workers to provide updates on children’s progress in the program and communicate available supports and resources for children and families, as needed.

Collaborate with the Ellis Enrollment Team and DCF Childcare Coordinators to support timely reauthorization of childcare vouchers.

Maintain existing partnerships with external organizations and connect children and families with appropriate therapeutic and community-based resources.

Collaborate with the Vice President of Program Administration and Family Engagement Team to support established procedures for program intakes, referrals, and transitions out of services.

Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in clinical files in accordance with organizational policies and applicable requirements.

• Participate in parent meetings and provide a therapeutic perspective, as requested by leadership.
• Support social work interns, when applicable, by providing supervision and/or mentorship consistent with the scope of the interim role and the intern’s learning needs.

Social Work Program Support

• Coordinate internal and external referrals for clinical services and connect families with the Ellis Family Navigator, as appropriate.
• Facilitate therapeutic groups for children to support social-emotional development and well-being.

Facilitate parent support groups or therapeutic trainings for families, as appropriate, and provide therapeutic consultation to families as requested.

Provide trauma-informed, strength-based behavioral support and interventions, including coaching and consultation to educators and staff.

• Provide classroom-based support and crisis intervention, as needed.
• Collaborate with the Family Engagement Team to ensure continuity of social work services and support throughout the interim period.
• General Ellis Support
• Help facilitate various donations for families as needed
• Help support events planned by the Family Engagement Team
• Provide front desk coverage as needed; greet families and transfer phone calls

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work from an accredited program required
• Massachusetts LCSW required or in progress.

Strong understanding and experience with trauma-informed care, with an Early Relational Health or Early Childhood Mental Health focus preferred

Demonstrated experience in a childcare or family care center serving culturally diverse families from low-income households

• Strong interpersonal communication skills (in person, by phone, and in writing)
• Superior attention to detail, consistency, accuracy, and follow-through
• Able to practice effective organizational skills
• Demonstrate sound personal judgment, show initiative, and resourcefulness
• Fluency in languages other than English (particularly Spanish and/or Haitian Creole) preferred.

The purpose of this description is to provide an overview of the position's major responsibilities. It is not to be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed.