School Social Worker

About the role

This position provides services within the schools that facilitate the growth and development of all students, focusing on those whose educational and/or psychosocial development is restricted due to social, emotional, behavioral, family, or environmental challenges.

Responsibilities

• Consult and collaborate with staff and parents on program development, prevention measures, early interventions, and assessment of students' difficulties, community resources, and outside therapies.
• Serve as a contributing member on building and district-level teams (e.g., crisis team, problem-solving/RtI teams, student services building teams, grade-level teams, PBIS, program team meetings, department meetings).
• Complete valid social/emotional adaptive assessments, interpret student information for learning concerns, and communicate needs in written and verbal formats for staff and parents.
• Provide individual and/or group counseling to help students solve problems or develop functional skills related to the learning environment using goal-based interventions.
• Maintain current knowledge of research findings, child development, cultural and economic influences, and best practices in social work and education.
• Plan and conduct in-service presentations, staff trainings, newsletters, and community outreach to enhance understanding of educational and social/emotional development.
• Support staff and parents in education to address children’s special needs, child development, or other common concerns.
• Serve as a liaison between the community and school.
• Maintain familiarity with legal mandates, laws, and ethical standards influencing professional responsibilities.
• Complete paperwork, including goal writing, updates, behavior plans, FBAs/BIPs, social stories, and observations.
• Establish a positive school climate by demonstrating respect and rapport with staff, parents, students, and community stakeholders.
• Assist with referrals and maintain communication with community or private agencies for further evaluation, treatment, or services.
• Participate on the building’s crisis intervention team for individual and/or school-wide crises.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with School Social Work endorsement.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years of school social work experience preferred.
• Effective positive interpersonal communication skills and fluid report-writing ability.
• Knowledge of special education law policies and procedures.
• LSW (Licensed Social Worker) within 2 years of employment.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Demonstrate high levels of flexibility, interpersonal skills, articulation, concentration, confidentiality, and organization.
• Physical requirements include sitting, standing, bending, walking, and lifting equipment or materials.

Benefits

• Paid time off and medical benefits for full-time staff members.

Pay

Compensation follows the Crystal Lake Teachers' Association (CLETA) negotiated agreement salary schedule for the 2026-2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement.