Social Worker

Position Type:
Student Support Services/Social Worker

Date Posted:
9/30/2026

Location:
District Office

Closing Date:
10/10/2026
Job Description
Title: Social Worker Location: District Office
Employment Type: Full Time Work Days: 10-month position
FSLA: Exempt Reports to: Building Principal


Job Summary:
The School Social Worker provides comprehensive social-emotional and behavioral support services to students, families, and school staff to promote academic success and personal well-being. The Social Worker serves as a vital member of the student services team, addressing barriers to learning through prevention, intervention, and collaboration. This professional works to strengthen the home-school-community connection, ensuring that all students have equitable access to education in a safe and supportive environment.


Education, Certification, and Licensure:

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker Endorsement
• Master's Degree in School Social Work , Social Work , or related field from an accredited program
• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks
• Strong understanding of child development , trauma-informed practices , and special education procedures (IEP/504)
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills

Experience:

• Experience providing social work services in a school or youth-focused setting , preferably at the junior high level
• Experience collaborating with teachers, administrators, and families to develop and implement student support plans
• Knowledge of community mental health resources and experience coordinating external services
• Experience conducting functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) preferred
• Familiarity with case management , crisis intervention , and conflict resolution strategies

Essential Duties and Specific Responsibilities:

• Provide direct social work services to students through individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom interventions.
• Identify and assess student needs through screenings, social histories, and behavioral observations .
• Serve as a liaison between home, school, and community resources to ensure coordinated support for students.
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, psychologists, and administrators to develop and implement interventions that promote student success.
• Participate in Response to Intervention (RtI) and MTSS teams to address academic and behavioral concerns.
• Support the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, including writing social-developmental summaries and participating in eligibility meetings.
• Implement and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in collaboration with staff and families.
• Assist in crisis situations by providing immediate support and coordinating with external agencies as needed.
• Facilitate parent meetings and workshops to enhance family engagement and understanding of student needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation in compliance with ISBE and district policies .
• Promote social-emotional learning (SEL) across classrooms and school-wide initiatives.
• Serve as an advocate for students, promoting their rights and access to equitable education.
• Participate in professional development and remain current with best practices in school social work.
• Perform other duties as assigned by building administration or the Director of Student Services.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of social-emotional development and behavioral interventions for adolescents.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and mediation skills.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Capacity to analyze student data and use it to drive intervention planning and progress monitoring.
• Proficiency in technology platforms used for documentation and communication (e.g., IEP software, student management systems).
• Ability to manage multiple caseloads and priorities while maintaining professional confidentiality.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity when working with diverse populations.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates compassion, empathy, and patience when working with students facing emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, ethical standards, and discretion.
• Ability to remain calm and resourceful during crisis situations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment .
• Continuous learner committed to professional growth and reflection.
• Team-oriented with the ability to contribute to interdisciplinary collaboration and shared decision-making.

Terms of Employment:
Salary is based on market comparisons as determined by the Superintendent and Board of Education.
Twelve-month work year.


Salary
Beginning salary at $48,312
Physical Requirements:


While performing job, employee is required to (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, S = Seldom)

Climb Ladders

S

Kneel

S

Lift/Carry > 50 lbs.

S

Push/Pull 50> lbs.

S

Talk

F

Climb Stairs

S

Lift/Carry Under 10 lbs.

O

Push/Pull Under 10 lbs.

S

See

F

Twist

F

Crawl

S

Lift/Carry 10-25 lbs.

S

Push/Pull 10-25 lbs.

S

Squat

S

Walk

F

Hear

F

Lift/Carry 25-50 lbs.

S

Push/Pull 25-50 lbs.

S

Stoop/Bend

O

Work Environment:
Work is primarily performed in a school setting, including classrooms, counseling offices, and meeting rooms. Frequent collaboration with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies. Must be able to respond quickly to crisis situations within the school environment. Moderate physical activity may be required (e.g., accompanying students, home visits, or supervision duties). Work schedule follows the academic calendar with occasional evening meetings or parent events.
Adheres to district safety policies and confidentiality guidelines. Applicants must apply online at and upload:

• Letter of application and resume
• High school diploma (GED) or official transcripts (awarded degree)
• Valid Illinois license, certifications, and endorsements
• Three (3) current letters of recommendation

Internal applicants must complete a transfer request at their current site.
Questions should be directed to:
Human Resources Department
Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144
Administration Center
3015 W. 163rd Street
Markham, IL 60428
Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144 conducts pre-employment drug tests and background checks .

The information contained in this job description is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties performed by the individual holding this position may be assigned.