Elementary Social Worker

Social Worker

Position Title: Social Worker

Department: Special Education

Classification: Certified

Reports To: Director of Special Education / Building Principal

Qualifications:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a school social worker endorsement
• Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited program required
• Experience working in a school setting is preferred
• Strong understanding of child development, mental health, trauma, and family systems
• Knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Illinois special education law and procedures

Performance Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate support for the mission, beliefs, and goals of Lockport SD 91
• Provide individual and group counseling to students experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties
• Provide a social development study and adaptive behavior assessment for children referred for case studies
• Confer and/or lead with members of the MTSS team, grade level teams, or special education team as needed relative to case disposition and follow-up
• Participate in the development and implementation of IEPs and 504 Plans, including conducting social developmental studies and contributing to eligibility evaluations
• Participate in the re-evaluation of children placed in special education programs
• Collaborate with educators, parents, and service providers to develop interventions that support students' academic and social-emotional growth
• Facilitate crisis intervention and assist with behavior management plans and safety planning
• Consult with teachers and staff to support student engagement, classroom management, and culturally responsive practices
• Recommend appropriate intervention procedures for children exhibiting behavioral or emotional problems in the school setting
• Confer with parents relative to the social history and family analysis findings and recommendations
• Act as a liaison between home, school, and community agencies to connect families with appropriate resources and supports
• Support school-wide initiatives related to mental health, bullying prevention, positive behavior interventions, and trauma-informed practices
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines
• Provide written reports about the progress of children for whom evaluations have been completed or for whom other social work services have been provided
• Participate in the development and implementation of the IEP for each child on the therapy caseload, with goals and objectives
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to social work, special education, and school-based mental health services
• Function as a member of a multi-tiered system of support team and a school crisis team
• Attend staff development sessions and other meetings as called by the principal and special education director
• Assist the principal to nurture safe and caring school environments
• Accepts other responsibilities and duties that may be assigned by the administration

Travel Requirements:

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required

Evaluation:

• Social Workers are evaluated by the director of special education or the administration. Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Board of Education's policy on the Evaluation of Professional Personnel, developed pursuant to State law.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-Time Salary and Benefits are based on the collective bargaining agreement