School Social Worker

Ombudsman Educational Services 10928 S Halsted Street Chicago, IL 60628, USA Annual Salary: $65,000 – $75,000 USD (final offers extended based on experience, qualifications and other job‑related details) Description Ombudsman Educational Services, 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, we would like to hear from you. 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 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 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 – Required Bachelor's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field. Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an Illinois state professional educator license (PEL). Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an Illinois state school support personnel (SSP) social worker endorsement. Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company‑approved crisis management training. Prior experience providing social work services for children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting. Highly skilled in working with children with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or behavioral challenges. Prior experience and/or knowledge in working with students having 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, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs). 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. Qualifications – Preferred Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field. Experience in alternative educational services for at‑risk students with diverse needs at various levels. Experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs). Prior experience in school or district settings as a school social worker. Experience with crisis prevention and intervention systems. 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 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 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