Early Childhood Social Worker

Title: Social Worker

Reports To: Chief of Early Childhood Education

Status: Full-Time, Year-Round 

Overview: ODC Network (ODC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. At the heart of our mission is the ODC Early Childhood Network, where we proudly offer nature-based discovery preschools in Allegan and Ottawa County. Our commitment is to provide enriching early childhood learning opportunities for children aged 0-5, fostering the development of social, emotional, and academic skills.
 

Purpose: The Social Worker is integral to fulfilling the mission of ODC. This role involves delivering age appropriate social work service to children and their families, while also providing valuable consultation and coaching to teachers. In addition to executing these responsibilities, the employee plays a key role in supporting ODC Network and acts as a positive representative of the organization within the community. This position is dedicated to fostering the well-being of children, families, and educators within the unique context of our nature-based educational environment. 

ODC Network Diversity Policy Statement:

The ODC Network is an equal opportunity employer. Click here to read our diversity statement.

Desired Skills:

• Interest in young children and early childhood education
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Must pass complete Michigan background check, including fingerprinting
• Current certification in First Aid/CPR is desired
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers and parents
• Skill in oral and written communication
• Ability to perform duties in conjunction with all school requirements and policies
   

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Proficiency in resolving practical challenges and navigating diverse real-world scenarios including being able to identify issues, analyze them, and implement solutions in a practical and effective manner
• Support a small group or individual students while modeling intervention strategies for teachers in the learning environment
• Conduct student observations 
• Develop student accommodations & learning plans collaboratively with teachers
• Consult with and coach teachers during and after class
• Plan and facilitate parent engagement, education, and consultation opportunities
• Work collaboratively to create an integrated SEL curriculum for use in all ODC Early Childhood classrooms
• Support and collaborate with Site Directors to help lead daily efforts at each site
• Collaborate and consult with Director of Support Services on student/family/staff situations as necessary
• Ability to develop relationships and resources that enhance the efforts of ODC
• All other duties as assigned by the Chief of Early Childhood Education and the Executive Management Team.

Education/Experience/Requirements:

• Master’s degree or higher in social work or related field
• Minimum of 2 years experience
   

Physical Demands: 

• Must be able to occasionally lift to 25 pounds and walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time 
• Must be able to squat, kneel, reach, lift, bend, talk, hear and see
• Requires the ability to work outside in various weather conditions
   

Equipment Operated:

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google applications, and the operation of general office equipment.