Candyce Gibbs-Pawlikowski
Maplewood
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate School Social Worker with over 15 years of experience in education, specializing in crisis intervention, special education compliance, and advocacy for diverse student populations. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, implementing IEP policies under IDEA and N.J.A.C. 6A:14, and connecting families with essential community resources. Committed to fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments that promote student well-being, equity, and academic success.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Worker
Passaic Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
- Provide individual and group counseling addressing mental health, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges.
- Deliver crisis counseling and intervention services during emergency situations.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) aligned with IEP goals, FAPE, and LRE mandates under IDEA.
- Participate in IEP meetings within required timelines in compliance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.7.
- Ensure all special education services comply with state and federal policy (N.J.A.C. 6A:14, IDEA).
- Collaborate with teachers, CST members, administrators, families, and outside agencies to support students’ needs.
- Maintain case documentation in compliance with state and federal regulatory standards.
- Conduct ongoing needs assessments, make referrals for services, and connect families with counseling, early intervention, and community resources.
- Facilitate peer support groups and outreach initiatives to increase student access to services.
- Advocate for program equity and policy improvements to reduce disproportionality in special education placements and discipline.
- Assist families in navigating procedural safeguards, evaluation timelines, and reevaluation requirements under N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.8.
- Contribute to district-wide DEI and trauma-informed practice initiatives, providing staff training on restorative practices and cultural responsiveness.
Early Intervention Intern
Essex County
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Supported case management and family services for early intervention programs.
- Applied knowledge of state procedures and systems for child development services.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive cases.
School Social Worker Intern
Passaic Public Schools
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Conducted individual counseling sessions for students with emotional and behavioral challenges.
- Supported IEP development and provided input on educational accommodations.
- Assisted with home visits and family risk assessments.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators on strategies to increase engagement and reduce barriers to learning.
Special Education Teacher – Social Studies
Passaic Public Schools
09.2015 - 06.2021
- Designed and delivered differentiated Social Studies instruction for students with IEPs, 504 plans, and diverse learning needs.
- Integrated literacy strategies into instruction to strengthen reading comprehension and written expression.
- Delivered small-group and one-on-one support to ensure access to grade-level curriculum.
- Developed and monitored behavior intervention plans to improve classroom functioning.
- Collaborated with CST members to ensure compliance with IDEA and N.J.A.C. 6A:14 requirements.
- Presented data-driven progress reports during IEP and parent meetings.
- Integrated technology tools (Google Classroom, IXL, Kahoot) to enhance engagement.
- Mentored paraprofessionals and guided classroom aides to maintain inclusive environments.
- Organized civics, history, and current event projects to promote critical thinking.
- Partnered with families to reinforce academic and behavioral strategies at home.
- Engaged in professional development focused on culturally responsive teaching.
Paraprofessional – Special Education
Passaic Board of Education
09.2009 - 06.2015
- Provided academic and behavioral support to students with cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities.
- Assisted teachers with lesson preparation, instructional delivery, grading, and data collection.
- Adapted instructional materials and modified lesson plans to meet IEP goals.
- Delivered one-on-one and small-group academic instruction.
- Supported students in developing independence through daily living, organization, and study skills.
- Implemented behavior plans and reinforced positive behaviors.
- Supervised students during transitions, lunch, recess, and field trips.
- Collaborated with CST members and related service providers to monitor IEP progress.
- Documented performance data and provided feedback to teachers.
- Strengthened family engagement and home-school connections.
- Modeled respectful behavior and appropriate social interactions.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Kean University
05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies
Caldwell University
12.2015
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Gibbs College
12.2005
Skills
- Case Management & Documentation
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Student Advocacy & Support Services
- IEP Development & Special Education Planning
- Behavior Intervention & Conflict Resolution
- Family Engagement & Community Outreach
- Data Collection & Program Evaluation
- Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Practices
Certification
- School Social Worker Certification (NJ)
- Teacher of Students with Disabilities (K–12), NJ
- Middle School Teacher of Social Studies (Grades 5–8), NJ
Timeline
School Social Worker
Passaic Public Schools
09.2023 - Current
Early Intervention Intern
Essex County
08.2022 - 04.2023
School Social Worker Intern
Passaic Public Schools
09.2021 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher – Social Studies
Passaic Public Schools
09.2015 - 06.2021
Paraprofessional – Special Education
Passaic Board of Education
09.2009 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Social Studies
Caldwell University
Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
Gibbs College
Master of Arts - Social Work
Kean University
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