Healthcare Social Worker Program: Head Start Preschool Program Location: North Street School, Geneva, NY Reports To: Director of Head Start and Early Childhood Education Position Overview: The Healthcare Social Worker supports the health and well-being of children and families in the Head Start preschool program. This role combines healthcare and social work expertise to address the psychosocial needs of children and their families, fostering a nurturing environment that promotes overall development and access to essential resources. Key Responsibilities: 1. Patient Assessment: ? Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to evaluate children's and their families' social, emotional, and financial needs. ? Identify barriers to accessing health care and educational services, developing plans to address these needs effectively. 2. Counseling and Support: ? Provide individual and family counseling to support emotional well-being and address challenges such as stress, anxiety, and adjustment to life circumstances. ? Assist families in navigating developmental and behavioral concerns related to their child’s preschool experience. 3. Resource Linkage: ? Connect families with community resources such as financial assistance programs, support groups, transportation services, mental health providers, and nutritional support. ? Facilitate access to healthcare services, including immunizations, oral health care, and screenings. 4. Advocacy: ? Advocate for families, ensuring their rights and needs are met within the education and healthcare systems. ? Provide guidance on navigating insurance and medical decision-making processes. 5. Care Coordination: ? Collaborate with healthcare providers, program staff, and external agencies to coordinate care and ensure effective communication. ? Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to develop and implement strategies for supporting children’s holistic development. 6. Education and Outreach: ? Educate families about health topics including illness prevention, treatment options, nutrition, oral hygiene, and immunizations. ? Organize workshops and informational sessions for parents and staff to promote wellness and awareness. 7. Crisis Intervention: ? Respond to immediate crises affecting children and families, including emergencies related to health, safety, or emotional well-being. ? Develop and implement crisis plans to stabilize situations and connect families with appropriate support services. Job Qualifications Required Skills and Qualifications: ? Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) or Human Services from an accredited program. ? Experience: New graduates are welcome to apply. Experience in healthcare or school social work, particularly in early childhood settings, is preferred. ? Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills. ? Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with diverse populations. ? Knowledge of community resources, referral networks, and healthcare systems. ? Proficiency in understanding medical terminology and disease processes. ? Crisis intervention skills and the ability to manage sensitive situations effectively. ? Cultural competency and the ability to work with diverse families and communities. Preferred Qualifications: ? Experience in Head Start or other early childhood education programs. ? Training in Conscious Discipline or similar trauma-informed care frameworks. ? Bilingual or multilingual skills are highly desirable. Application Deadline:01/16/2025 Job Number: 61