School Social Worker - Full-Time Position

North Lawndale College Prep

School Social Worker – Full-Time Position

Position Summary

The School Social Worker at North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) plays a pivotal role in supporting students' social, emotional, and behavioral well-being to promote academic success and overall student development. The School Social Worker will collaborate with students, families, school staff, and community-based resources to identify and address barriers to learning and promote a positive, safe, and supportive school environment. This position will provide direct student services, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, social-emotional support, and referrals to appropriate community resources. The School Social Worker will also contribute to the development and implementation of programs designed to support student growth, resilience, and well-being. The School Social Worker will be responsible for supporting both special education and general education programming, including collaboration with relevant staff to ensure that students' social-emotional needs are appropriately addressed.

Reports To:

Principal or designee

Position Responsibilities Direct Student Support

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' needs and develop appropriate intervention plans. Implement evidence-based interventions to support students' mental health and well-being.
• Monitor and document student progress, adjusting interventions as necessary.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to identify students in need of support.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies that promote student success.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community agencies to coordinate services and resources.
• Provide consultation to staff on issues related to student behavior, mental health, and social-emotional learning.

Program Development and Implementation

• Develop and facilitate programs aimed at promoting positive behavior, social skills, and emotional regulation.
• Lead initiatives that address school-wide issues such as bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed practices.
• Foster relationships with community partners, liaise and lead these partnerships through sourcing to program implementation and monitoring.
• Collaborate with school leadership to integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum.
• Participate as a member of, and in some cases lead, MTSS teams in support of strong student attendance, social-emotional growth, and student behavior.

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of services provided to students.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to social work services in schools.
• Prepare reports and documentation required for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other student support plans.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to crises involving students, providing immediate support and intervention.
• Develop and implement crisis response plans in collaboration with school administration.
• Provide support to students and staff during and after critical incidents.

Position Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (required)
• Possess valid School Social Worker endorsement through the Illinois State Board of Education (required)
• Must become Safety Care certified within 3 months of starting the position (offered through Chicago Public Schools).
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, or an academic leadership role.
• Experience using student data to drive intervention planning and instructional decision-making.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with teachers, administrators, and families.
• Knowledge of evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to educational equity and the belief that all students can succeed.
• Proficiency in data management tools and student information systems.
• Strong ability to lead professional development and coaching for educators.
• Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Culturally responsive approach to student intervention and engagement.
• Good level of proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive) and general computer applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent work in a school setting with a moderate to loud noise level.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.