Duties
Reports to: Building Principal or designee
Responsibilities:
- Provide counseling services to special education and general education students individually and in group settings.
- The School Social Worker is a part of the Multi-Tiered System of Support working with students and teams at the Tier I, II, and III levels.
- Conduct assessments of students' needs through observation, screening, interviewing, informal/formal assessments, consultation, and participation in special education staffing.
- Consult on, develop, and implement behavioral incentive programs with individuals and/or groups of students and facilitate the sharing, organizing, and utilization of data.
- Meet both State and Federal special education guidelines by participating in the development of IEPs for students, which includes participating in functional behavioral analysis, behavior management plans, and writing behavioral goals and objectives.
- As requested, participate in IEP meetings in district schools to assist in assessing and developing special education programs for individual students.
- Empower and advocate for students by educating them about their rights and responsibilities, teaching assertiveness skills, and promoting positive communication.
- Conduct home visits with another staff member to promote parental involvement, resolve school-related issues, and/or inform parents of school-related topics.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times regarding students and student information, as applies to the profession's ethical standards.
- Facilitate the effective utilization of community resources to enhance student success and well-being. This includes maintaining collaborative relationships with community, state, and private agencies.
- Maintain standards of professional accountability through documentation, reporting, and planning of counseling services.
- Enhance professional skills and knowledge by attending scheduled district staff meetings, conferences, and workshops to provide continued quality counseling services.
- Abide by all applicable laws and comply with all District policies and procedures (e.g., business department, attendance, computer/internet use, schedule, internal paperwork, etc.).
- Intervene during emergencies as needed. Provide crisis intervention, following state standards, including verbal de-escalation and physical intervention of students in danger of harming themselves or others.
- Remain current and updated with regard to the applicable certification issues.
- Teach social-emotional strategies at various age/skill levels through individual and small group counseling.
- Serve as a liaison between home and school, providing parental education and consultation as appropriate in relation to the student's school functioning.
- Participate in the collaborative efforts to identify, assess, and program supportive services for students identified as needing them.
- Provide consultation and information to school personnel on behalf of students (i.e., child/adolescent development, special education rules and regulations, accommodations for students with disabilities in the general curriculum, behavioral interventions to modify problematic behavior, etc.).
- Address various topics and issues to promote success in the school environment, community, and personal challenges.
- Support activities that provide opportunities for positive, supportive student relationships.
- Develop and implement school-wide programs that enhance the learning process.
- Consult with staff regarding students' psychosocial development, behavior management plans, crisis intervention, and overall safe and positive school environment management.
- Teach skills using social-emotional curriculums at various age and skill levels. This involves teaching to individuals and groups of students and coordinating with other school personnel. The goal is to teach skills aligned with the CASEL Competencies: Self-management, self-awareness, responsible decision-making, social awareness, and relationship skills.
- Provide case management services through contact with parents/guardians, district schools, and community agencies (i.e., health care providers, mental health providers, child welfare agencies, police, probation, court services, etc.).
- Maintain accurate and confidential service records, following district policies and legal guidelines.
- Stay current on best practices and laws related to education, child welfare, and mental health through professional development.
- Promote a positive school climate by leading initiatives that foster inclusivity and belonging.
- Follow professional standards defined by the state and professional organizations.
- *Social Workers are required to complete billing per their caseload.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Qualifications/Minimum Requirement for School Social Worker
- Master's Degree in Social Work
- IL PEL Endorsed on School Social Work
- Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based interventions
- Prior experience in a school setting or working with children and families (preferred but not always required for entry-level positions).
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, school staff, and community agencies.
How to Apply
Application Procedure:
Apply online
Selection Procedure: It is not necessary that you contact the District #90 administrators to request an interview. The following procedure will be followed:
1. Applications will be reviewed.
2. Based upon the assessment of the application, the most promising candidates will be contacted for a personal interview.
3. Following the interview process, a written recommendation will be prepared supporting the employment decision.
4. The recommendation for employment will be presented by the Superintendent to the Board of Education for consideration and action.
5. Those Candidates who were interviewed will be notified of the Board's decision.