James Baldwin Elementary (formerly Northgate Elementary) is a K-5 elementary school within Seattle Public School.

We are a diverse community located in the city of Northgate. This academic year of 2023-2024 is the first year in our newly built school at the same address as the previous one. OSPI and the district can provide data to those who wish to categorize a school by demographic and ACES, however that does not reflect the community nor its strengths and values. At James Baldwin, we are striving to take with us the value and strength of this community into the new and larger space while still maintaining the collaborative work style. This collaborative work means we continue to invite community members to share in their expertise on how best to support and serve students.

Activities Interns Can Expect at Seattle Public Schools

· One-on-one student check-ins, counseling*, and social-emotional support
· Case management
· Resource allocation for mental health and community supports
· MTSS and Tier 3 collaboration
· Classroom lessons
· Small groups
· Focuses on social skills, friendship support, bullying prevention and intervention, personal safety, and problem solving, mental health, and prevention
· Staff collaboration meetings, recess support, and professional development with school staff
· Applying a racial equity lens throughout our work
· Navigating Seattle Public Schools’ system and resources
· Crisis intervention

Activities Interns Can Expect at James Baldwin Elementary

· School-based interventions one-on-one or small groups (dependent on availability)
· Practice clinical skills in the school-based setting
· Discuss ethics on school-based level intervention compared to behavioral health agencies
· Exposure to the special education process through 504 vs IEP caseload
· Opportunity to look at school-based curriculums based on need (Coping Cat, Zones of Regulation, Superflex)
· Direct student contact on a daily basis
· Introduction to PBIS through abolitionist lens

· Opportunities to deliver school-wide social emotional interventions
· Join student intervention meetings, monitor interventions
· Join school-wide committee opportunities (MTSS, Racial Equity Teams)
· Opportunities to deliver and facilitate staff PD
· Discuss similarities and differences between SSW and other ESA positions

· Learn how school systems are impacted by policies (Becca Law, Erin's Law, McKinney Vento, Covid)
· Through supervision discuss racial equity and how white supremacy impacts students and families
· Discuss the role of school social worker as defined by SSWAA.org, OSPI as well as SPS
· Discuss variable ways to take action through WASSW
· Learn how unions and school districts operate alongside one another
· Partner with other educators on site
· Parent contact and engagement

Preferred experience, but not required:

Child development and learning styles
Group facilitation for children and adults
Community resources and resource mapping
Racial equity work
Experience working with diverse populations

Please reach out to Galit Geffen, School Social Worker: gageffen@seattleschools.org with resume and cover letter.
Response within 72 hours to set up a time to discuss practicum.
All candidates will be considered.