School Social Worker

About the role

Ombudsman Educational Services is a growing, dynamic organization dedicated to offering hope through its Alternative Education Program. The School Social Worker plays a pivotal role in supporting students in special education, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, and bridging connections between home and school.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group counseling to support students experiencing social, emotional, or family-related challenges affecting academic success, including crisis intervention and family consultation as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress.
• Conduct comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts.
• Maintain consistent communication with parents/guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home-life changes impacting school performance.
• Develop and update Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations.
• Attend and actively participate in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes as directed by school district partners.
• Collaborate closely with educational and community-based professionals (e.g., wrap-around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families.
• Provide thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources.
• Consult and collaborate proactively with teachers, parents/guardians, district representatives, and service providers to develop impactful solutions for student learning and behavior challenges while promoting a positive company image and strong community relations.
• Ensure effective implementation of positive social skill teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom observations focused on staff adherence to students' IEP and Behavior Intervention/Treatment Plan goals.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to teachers regarding classroom schedules, student data management, and transition planning to ensure appropriate services aligned with Individualized Education Plans and targeted goals.
• Affirmative assessment of student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs.
• Conduct timely crisis assessments and coordinate immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
• Stay current with research-based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support.
• Respond constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
• Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator license (PEL).
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state school support personnel (SSP) social worker endorsement.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing social work services for children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
• Highly skilled in working with children with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or behavioral challenges.
• Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).
• Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
• Highly skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Perks and Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!