Preschool Family/Social Worker

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Type: Full-time

FLSA Status: Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends as needed

Position Overview: The Family/Social Worker serves as a vital link between home and school, supporting children and families through advocacy, counseling, and coordination of community resources. This role partners closely with teachers, therapists, administrators, and outside agencies to ensure each family receives the support they need to help their child thrive.

About Jowonio School

Jowonio School is a not-for-profit, inclusive preschool located in Syracuse, NY. The name "Jowonio" comes from the Onondaga Nation language and means “to set free”, reflecting our belief that all children deserve the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive together.

Open since 1969, we’ve been nationally recognized for our commitment to inclusive education, family support, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Our classrooms integrate children of all abilities and provide individualized support through therapy services, adaptive approaches, and hands-on learning. Jowonio is dedicated to:

• Creating innovative educational settings where children of all abilities are full participants.
• Offering a wide range of therapeutic and family support services.
• Providing professional development for educators, therapists, and families in partnership with community organizations.
• Advocating for the inclusion of all children in schools and society.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison between students, families, school staff, and community agencies such as family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other service providers.
• Provide case management to help families access community resources and build supportive networks.
• Offer personal support, skill training, counseling, and referrals to parents who request or require assistance.
• Consult regularly with classroom and resource staff regarding family needs and dynamics.
• Organize and facilitate parent groups and parent education workshops.
• Coordinate activities that foster family involvement in the Jowonio community.
• Coordinate intake for children with and without disabilities, supporting smooth transitions into the program.
• Maintain school–home communication, including occasional home visiting and transporting families to appointments, contributing to newsletters and outreach materials, and organizing parent volunteers.
• Participate in weekly team meetings, including the administrative team.
• Share responsibility for organizing and maintaining child records.
• Coordinate Family Support Services (FSS) grant activities in collaboration with the Financial Manager and assist families in accessing OPWDD provisional eligibility.
• Participate in the planning and facilitation of staff in-service trainings focused on family engagement and community resources.
• Supervise social work students during field placements.
• Fulfill all mandated reporter responsibilities in accordance with NYS law.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strengths-based perspective
• Growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning
• Open-mindedness and inclusivity
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Integrity and professionalism
• Collaborative spirit

Qualifications:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York State (MSW only does not meet this requirement).
• Experience working with young children and families, preferably in an educational or community-based setting.
• Strong understanding of family systems, child development and community resources.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Reliable attendance and ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours for meetings, workshops, or family events.
• Proficiency with technology, including:
  • Google Suite
  • Microsoft Word

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while completing documentation or meeting with families and staff.
• Frequent movement throughout the school building, including classrooms, offices, and playground areas.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, or moving of materials and equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to engage in floor-level and outdoor interactions with young children as needed.
• Sufficient vision and hearing to observe, communicate, and maintain safety within a classroom and community setting.
• Capacity to manage occasional high-stress situations calmly and professionally, including crisis intervention or emergency response.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with employer match
• Aflac supplemental insurance
• Voluntary life insurance
• 50% preschool tuition discount for children of employees
• Supportive, inclusive work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer: Jowonio School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.