Social Worker / Preschool Intervention and Referral Specialist (PIRS)

SOCIAL WORKER/PRESCHOOL INTERVENTION AND REFERRAL SPECIALIST (PIRS) QUALIFICATIONS: * Holds or is eligible for a N.J.

School Social Worker Certificate * Possess knowledge of content and skills relevant to working with preschool-aged children * Knowledge of and training in the Pyramid Model and Positive Behavior Supports preferred * Exhibit positive interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community, possess effective problem-solving, human relations and communication skills.

REPORTS TO: Principal and Preschool Program Instructional Supervisor JOB GOAL: The PIRS/Social Worker collaborates with the Instructional Supervisor, Preschool Instructional Coaches, other Social Workers, Intervention and Referral Specialists and classroom teachers to adapt and modify teaching practices to ensure all students have a positive early learning experience.

The PIRS case manages assigned students in a supportive and positive classroom climate through the development of individualized intervention plans and promoting data-driven instruction.

As Social Worker, the PIRS Social Worker helps students and families resolve such personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to enjoy the fullest benefits of the education offered to them.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assesses students in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic and cultural differences, observes pupils in classroom and/or playground.

* Evaluates the configuration of factors within the home, community and school as related to a student's current social and academic adjustment.

* Interprets the implications of significant social findings as a member of the preschool team, and participates in educational planning for students.

* Visit the classrooms on a regular basis to mentor, coach, and provide feedback to teachers using practice-based coaching, support teacher capacity building for the implementation of the Pyramid Model.

* Use performance based assessment data and structured classroom observations to determine and support high quality intervention and inclusion.

Plan specific goals and training opportunities, including, but not limited to, modeling classroom practices and lessons, facilitating PLC meetings, and planning and implementing workshops, to improve areas of weakness as identified through structured observation instruments, curriculum observation instruments, performance based results, district evaluation data, and other information.

* Confer regularly with the Preschool Social Worker/Community Parent Involvement Specialist (CPIS) to plan for smooth transitions for children entering preschool or going to kindergarten and assist in planning parent involvement activities.

* Reflect on own professional development needs, attend workshops, read research articles, consult with others, etc.

* Maintains an ongoing relationship with families for the purpose of: sharing information regarding educational planning and programming for the student; assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community resources; and providing counseling to family members and/or students to facilitate social adjustment.

Refers parents and child to agencies when appropriate.

* Consults with administration and staff regarding social adjustment factors of students in schools, at home and in the community; discuss how to support children, teachers and parents with children who have challenging behaviors and/or needs, develop student intervention plans, lead PIRT meetings and monitor the implementation of interventions.

* Maintains appropriate case records.

* Assists in upholding and enforcing department rules, administrative regulation and board policy.

* Assists in coordinating, developing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of academic and behavioral action plans.

Provides support to general education teachers to address the needs of children with challenging behaviors or learning disabilities.

* Performs all duties required as a member of the preschool team by administrative code, state and federal laws, and board policy.

* Assumes other related duties/assignments during the assigned working day as administration deems necessary COMPENSATION: Salary shall be established as budgeted and approved by the Board of Education in agreement with the Gloucester Township Education Association contract.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 10 month year VACATION: There is no vacation time allotted to this position.

EVALUATION: Performance of job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.