Family Worker

The Brooklyn Kindergarten Society (BKS) is the original “born in Brooklyn”. We were founded in 1891, and for 130 years, BKS has helped provide high-quality early childhood education to working families. BKS has grown up with the borough and continues to be a leader in equal access to high quality early childhood education. BKS sees its mission as providing an equal first educational step to some of our borough’s youngest learners. We provide full day, year-round academic experiences and care for children ages 2-5 years old. Our curriculum is play based and marries together reading, writing, movement and music, with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. Our goal is to ensure that Brooklyn’s youngest learners have an equal first educational step.

The Social Worker provides a variety of services to students, 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

• 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

• 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

• Attend and participate in program staff meetings, as well as related agency training as appropriate.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, in Social Work, Human Services, Family Services, Counseling or related field
• Masters Degree in Social Work or related field preferred.
• Bilingual strongly 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
• Must be able to establish working relationships with participants in need of supportive services