School Social Worker

Position Summary School Social Worker Job Description The School Social Worker serves as a vital member of the educational team, working to ensure that all students have the social, emotional, and behavioral support necessary to access learning. The social worker collaborates with educators, administrators, families, and community agencies to promote student success, positive school climate, and compliance with federal and state mandates related to special education and student services. Responsibilities Student Support

• Provide direct individual and group counseling to students addressing social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Support students with crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and coping strategies.
• Conduct assessments to identify barriers to learning and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate student participation in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and problem-solving teams (PST).

Family and Community Collaboration

• Partner with families to strengthen home-school connections and provide resources to meet student needs.
• Educate and support parents regarding child development, behavior management, and available community services.
• Connect students and families with outside agencies for mental health, housing, food, or social services as needed.

Educational Team Collaboration

• Serve as a member of the IEP and 504 teams, providing input on social-emotional and environmental factors impacting student learning.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, psychologists, and support staff to design interventions and monitor progress.
• Support implementation of restorative practices and positive behavior interventions.
• Assist with attendance improvement efforts, truancy prevention, and re-engagement plans.

Compliance and Professional Practice

• Maintain accurate documentation of services in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.
• Conduct social developmental histories and contribute to evaluations as required by IDEA and Section 504.
• Stay current with best practices, legal requirements, and professional ethics in school social work.
• Participate in professional development and contribute to staff training on social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
• Valid Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker endorsement.
• Knowledge of child development, mental health, crisis intervention, and community resources.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse students, families, and staff.

Reports To

• Director of Special Education and Building Administrators

Salary

• Salary commensurate with education and experience, per the district salary schedule

The Social Worker will provide support for South Holland School District 151 students receiving special education and related services. The Social Worker will be responsible for communicating with families and staff, attending pre-eligibility and IEP meetings, and assisting with the coordination of services for students. The Social Worker will also be responsible for supporting the social and emotional development of students. This is a full-time 180 day position.