Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) has dedicated itself to providing high quality early childhood education to children from low-income families for the last 125 years. We serve nearly 450 children in full-day educational classes, each enriched with pre-literacy and language programs as well as arts and music instruction. BKS recognizes that families – the key to children’s success – often benefit from resources and support beyond the classroom. To that end, our social services staff provides counseling, referral services, and workshops for children and their families. We were rated one of the top seven school readiness programs in Greater New York (out of 1,700 organizations reviewed) by Root Cause Foundation. We provide full day, year round care for children who are stimulated by the various curriculum studies initiated by them and guided by the principles of the Creative Curriculum.

JOB PURPOSE

The Social Worker provides a variety of services to pupils, parents, and staff. A particular emphasis is placed on developing social skills, conflict resolution skills, and strategies for dealing with a myriad of challenges and opportunities.

SCOPE OF INFLUENCE

·         Direct service to the children and families of our centers

·         Work closely with our community partners to strengthen services provide to our families and the communities where we are located.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Family and Community Engagement (75%)

·         Complete BKS intake packet and Family Partnership Agreement during intake phase, and support families to meet goals established in the agreement

·         Utilize information from Family Partnership Agreement to assist families with setting appropriate goals

·         Work with the families to assure that referrals meet their needs and identify alternative resources as needed

·         Participate in child case conferences with provider agencies, and parent teacher conferences where required

·         Intervenes and contacts parents when there are problems with attendance

·         Assist with recruiting  and enrollment of children in the program

·         Work collaboratively with community resources and provide family with support services and referrals.

·         Conduct a minimum of two home visits per year, per child, with additional visits as needed

Data Entry and Programming  (20%)

·         Maintain information in the Child Plus system and binder for family

·         Maintain confidentiality of family records and information (i.e. medical, mental health etc...)

·         Attend Delegate Agency Site Policy Committee meetings and assist with planning, organizing, and maintain records of their meetings

·         Acts as a liaison between BKS and the community, establishing and maintaining relationships with various community members and organizations. Develops and maintains contacts with community social service, health, and mental health agencies.

·         Coordinate monthly workshops based on center needs

Other (5%)

·         Attend and participate in program staff meetings, as well as related agency training as appropriate.

·         Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

·         A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, in specified discipline.

·         Twenty-four semester credits in any combination of the following fields: social work, psychology, sociology, human services, criminal justice, education (including early childhood), nursing or cultural anthropology.

·         At least 12 credits must be in one of these disciplines.

·         Masters Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.

·         Candidates must demonstrate English language proficiency and basic typing skill.

·         Experience with students with developmental disabilities, school systems, community resources and entitlements preferred.

·         Must possess strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

·         Must be able to work flexible hours

·         Bi-lingual is a plus

·         Must be able to establish working relationships with participants in need of supportive services

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.