JOB SUMMARY:
To support families and pre-school staff in their efforts to assist children with developmental delays. Identify and develop community based resources needed to support the child and family.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- Implements on-going activities such as workshops for the families of the preschool students to provide information and support on issues such as developmental delays, special education, health and safety, public benefit eligibility, access to community services and educational advocacy.
- Review and monitor situations that are thought to be difficult or sensitive such as those involving ACS with the Senior Social Worker and/or Director, Social and Health Services.
- Work closely with teachers, directors, and therapists to identify family/child needs and address them.
- Review and monitor student attendance to identify students with significant attendance issues.
- Responsible for acting as the liaison and outreach representative between the Agency, the family and community based programs to support the family and child.
- Represents the Agency at meetings and in the community.
- Performs duties and maintains documentation and statistical information in accord with regulations and requirements of the Agency, governmental and funding agencies, as well as good professional practices.
- Performs other assigned duties including assisting with school registrations, Kindergarten Applications OPWDD eligibility, and helping families in crisis.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum of a Master’s degree in social work or a human services field (LCSW/(LMSW preferred). One to five years of professional experience working with families with young children in an urban environment and experience accessing community services and resources on behalf of clients. Bilingual ability to speak and comprehend both English and Spanish languages at a high level of accuracy is essential. Ability to read and write Spanish is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of developmental disabilities among children and of early childhood education programs
- Able to engage parents to participate in their child’s education for optimal progress.
- Good organizational and computer skills
