Social Worker - Tiger Den (Autism Program) - JTPS

Watertown Public Schools; Watertown (CT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Watertown Public Schools is seeking a School Social Worker for the Tiger Den autism program at John Trumbull Primary School. The role focuses on supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of primary-aged students with autism and related developmental needs.

The position requires CT educator certification in Social Work, a Bachelor's and a Master's degree, and experience with autism or similar settings. Immediate start possible; reporting to the Director of Special Education.

Qualifications

• Hold a valid Connecticut educator certification in Social Work (071).
• Bachelor's and Master's degrees from an accredited college or university.
• Experience working with children at risk is required.
• Experience in autism programs or related settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess students to identify social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Provide individual counseling as required by IEPs or 504 Plans.
• Facilitate student discussions on behavior, emotional health, and social skills.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and students to address nonacademic barriers to learning.
• Advise and support teachers in promoting social-emotional health in the school community.
• Support families with resources and referrals as needed.

Skills

Social Work Certification

IEP/504 Experience

Autism program experience

Counseling skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Assistive communication tools

Behavior assessment tools

Job description

Social Worker – Tiger Den (Autism Program) – JTPS JobID: 2702

• Position Type: Student Support Services/ Social Worker
• Date Posted: 11/4/2026
• Location: John Trumbull Primary School
• Date Available: ASAP
• Closing Date: 11/25/2026

Location: John Trumbull Primary School

Position Reports To: Director of Special Education and Related Services and Building Administrators

Job ID: #2702

Internal Close Date: November 11, 2026

External Close Date: November 25, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Hold a valid Connecticut educator certification in Social Work, #071
• Have earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Demonstrate successful experience working with children at risk.
• Have experience in an autism program, self-contained special education classroom, or integrated preschool through high school setting.

General Scope of Function

• The School Social Worker in the Tiger Den at John Trumbull Primary School, supports the social, emotional, behavioral, and family-related needs of primary-aged students with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental needs. The social worker helps students build regulation, communication, peer-relationship, coping, safety, and self-advocacy skills while reducing barriers to school participation and learning.

Essential Skills, Knowledge Performance Abilities

Student Support and Counseling

• Observe and assess students to identify social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Provide individual counseling as needed and as required by students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans.
• Facilitate student discussions focused on behavior, emotional health, and social skills.
• Apply knowledge of student behavior management and dispute resolution techniques to address behavioral concerns and other nonacademic issues.
• Advise and support teachers in developing curricula and providing instruction that promotes the social and emotional health of students and the school community.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and students to resolve nonacademic concerns that affect student success.
• Help staff and parents understand and address the impact of emotional dysregulation on student learning.

Family and Community Engagement

• Communicate regularly with families about strategies to support their children at home and school, including available school and community resources.
• Serve as a resource for families addressing home-related issues that affect student success.
• Build relationships with community organizations that provide health, mental health, recreation, and social support services, and make referrals as needed.
• Facilitate parent workshops focused on strategies for supporting their children.

Training and Preferred Qualifications

• Training in Physical Management Training (PMT), Restorative Practices, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and de-escalation.
• Training in evidence-based autism interventions, social-emotional curricula, or related clinical approaches.
• Familiarity with assistive communication tools and sensory-regulation strategies.

Additional Duties

Perform all other duties that may be assigned by the Director of Special Education and Related Services and Building Administrators

Terms of Employment

Based on the working agreement between the Watertown Board of Education and the Watertown Educators Association

*District reserves the right to close the posting if a suitable candidate is found prior to the external closing date