Social Work Specialist: Orlando, Fl

As a Social Work Specialist, you will create an alliance between the school, family, and community to mobilize and coordinate services for children and families of Bezos Academy preschools in the Orlando metro area. You will work collaboratively to build the skills of staff, children, and families by providing services that include meetings and workshops, classroom visits and observations, crisis intervention, and staff training. You will implement the systems and strategies necessary to ensure all students are able to reach their full potential at Bezos Academy. You will be a resource to caregivers, developing strong community, school, and family connections.

You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and achieving equitable outcomes for students in under-resourced communities nationwide, across all lines of difference. You have prior experience working with children under age six who have or are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities. You will collaborate with other regional leaders to reimagine an inclusive student support model in a network of tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities.

LOCATION, BENEFITS, AND COMPENSATION

• The full salary range for this position is $52,000 - $73,380 per year. The upper third of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by qualifications and prior experience.
• Kissimmee- Highlands (800 W Donegan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741)
• Orlando- Mercy Drive (1766 Mercy Dr, Orlando, FL 32808)
• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position.
• This position supports our preschools in the Orlando-Kissimmee area and travel to all three schools will be expected on an as-needed basis.
  • Kissimmee- Poinciana (3701 Marigold Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758)
  • Kissimmee- Highlands (800 W Donegan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741)
  • Orlando- Mercy Drive (1766 Mercy Dr, Orlando, FL 32808)
• Kissimmee- Poinciana (3701 Marigold Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758)
• This role includes 18 paid days of scheduled breaks, 7 paid days of vacation, 3 paid days of personal time off, 7 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

Relocation support is available for this role.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong personal commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and working across lines of difference
• Valid state driver's license, clean motor vehicle records, personal auto insurance (at least minimum coverage under applicable law), and access to a reliable vehicle
• Ability to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Florida, including clearing background checks, tuberculosis tests, and so on, with required documentation eligibility and training completion submitted through each state's respective child care or educational regulatory agency prior to start of employment
• Two or more years of professional experience working with children under six with developmental delays
• Demonstrated skill in collaborating with families, the community, school staff, school leadership, and others to build trusting relationships and partnerships
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in social work, psychology, behavioral sciences, or a related field
• Deep knowledge of the instructional, social, and behavioral needs of children under six who have developmental delays or disabilities

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers:
  • Florida: please see here for a summary of credentialing criteria
• LMSW, LCSW, or BCBA certification Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training or certification
• Florida: please see here for a summary of credentialing criteria
• Knowledge of Montessori principles and overall approach

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide direct services to children who have or are at risk of developmental delays or disabilities
• Use a strengths-based approach to support families involved with the child welfare system
• Provide support and information to families regarding the special education referral/assessment process
• Assist teachers and families in developing and implementing and monitoring student support plans
• Connect families to community resources and health, housing, food, and crisis support
• Develop and facilitate training modules and group sessions for school staff and families
• Make regular home visits to gather information, foster positive relationships, and liaise between school and family
• Conduct classroom observations and social/developmental assessments of children
• Support families to help them understand their child's disability and equip them with the tools necessary to support their child's progress

Please click here for a full job description.

Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.