School Social Worker w/Animal Assisted Therapy Experience in Whippany, New Jersey at Calais School

The Calais School is a state-approved private special education school in Northern New Jersey, serving students in grades K–12 Plus with multiple learning disabilities, anxiety, mood and behavioral challenges, and autism spectrum disorders.

Our curriculum at all levels meets or exceeds the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards. Our goal is to be the best at helping children fulfill their potential. We recognize that every child has unique strengths, gifts, and abilities, and we are committed to cultivating those strengths and helping each student exceed their possibilities.

We have an outstanding opportunity for a School Social Worker with experience in Animal-Assisted Therapy to support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral growth within a collaborative, student-centered environment. This position can be full or part time.

Responsibilities:

• Assess the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students.
• Determine and implement appropriate therapeutic strategies to promote positive behavioral and social interactions.
• Provide individual and group therapeutic counseling to students.
• Utilize Animal-Assisted Therapy interventions as part of a comprehensive therapeutic approach.
• Serve as a liaison between families and the school to promote collaboration in educational and/or career planning.
• Collaborate with school staff and related service providers to implement strategies that support student learning and transition.
• Provide consultation to staff regarding behavioral, emotional, and environmental factors impacting student participation.
• Conduct staff development related to social-emotional and environmental influences on learning and transition.
• Maintain required clinical documentation and complete reports in compliance with regulations.

Requirements:

• 3–5 years of experience working with students with special needs.
• Valid New Jersey School Social Worker Certification.
• LCSW or LPC required.
• Demonstrated experience with Animal-Assisted Therapy.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

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