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

Job Overview School Social Worker at Ombudsman Educational Services, Chicago, IL. Starting salary $62,000 per year with potential increase based on experience, plus $2,000 sign‑on bonus. Responsibilities Providing 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. Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress. Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts. Maintaining consistent communication with parents and guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home‑life changes impacting school performance. Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations. Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision‑making processes as directed by school district partners. Actively contributing to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns. Collaborating closely with educational and community‑based professionals (e.g., wrap‑around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families. Providing thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources. Consulting and collaborating proactively with teachers, parents, 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. Ensuring 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. Providing 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. Assessing student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs. Conducting timely crisis assessments and coordinating immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing. Staying current with research‑based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support. Responding constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback. Performing 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 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 and 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 savings plan Perks at work employee discount program Opportunities for growth and development And so much more Education Bachelor’s or higher in social work or a related field Licenses & Certifications All state‑required credentials School social worker credentials Skills Alternative education Secondary education School social work Student counseling and guidance Teaching of counseling and training for parents Individualized education programs (IEP) Positive behavior intervention and support Crisis intervention Problem solving Interpersonal skills Office and administrative tasks High school education Behavior intervention plans (BIP) Behaviors Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity Functional expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject Motivations Ability to make an impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization 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