School Social Worker → $2,000 Sign-On Bonus! at Ombudsman Educational Services Chicago, IL

School Social Worker → $2,000 Sign‑On Bonus! job at Ombudsman Educational Services. Chicago, IL. Starting Salary: $62,000 /year and UP based on experience PLUS $2,000 Sign‑on Bonus! Environment: Alternative Education Program, High School A growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking a School Social Worker to join our award‑winning Alternative Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction. If you’re passionate about supporting students in special education, thrive in a collaborative, outcome‑focused environment, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference, let’s talk. As a School Social Worker , you will empower high‑school students to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through individual and group counseling, you’ll help create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment, bridging essential connections between home and school. You will collaborate closely with educators, families, and community professionals, fostering strong partnerships to support student success. You will also oversee daily site operations and serve as the key liaison, building and maintaining positive, dynamic relationships with school district representatives. 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. Actively contribute to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns. 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. Assess 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. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Master’s degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study. Meet all state and district licensing and/or credential requirements. Licensing and/or credential requirements vary by state and/or program and may include: LCSW | LCSW‑R | LMSW | DCSW | C‑SSWS | ACSW | CSW | LASW | LSW | SSW Prior experience working with children as a social worker, 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 individuals with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or behavioral challenges. Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Well‑versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data‑based decision making, and functional analysis/behavior intervention plans. 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 401(k) Retirement Saving Plan Perks at Work Employee Discount Program Opportunities for Growth & Development And So Much More! Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Downtown Boulder Partnership