School Social Worker (2026-2027SY)

Distinctive Schools • Chicago, IL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Distinctive Schools creates diverse, joyful, welcoming communities rooted in social justice and rigorous learning. The School Social Worker is part of the school support team and works collaboratively with student support teams, administrative staff, special education teachers, case managers, and general education teachers. The role supports a safe, comfortable, and positive learning environment so students can reach their goals, including through consultative services, accommodations, and modifications. The social worker should have a proven track record of working with families and community agencies to alleviate adverse conditions and promote students’ social, emotional, and academic success.

The position includes assessing students’ needs, providing Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III supports, counseling, crisis intervention, and maintaining compliance and documentation. The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, reports to the Principal, is regular full-time employment, and starts in August 2026. Salary starts at $65,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in School Social Work (MSW).
• Valid Professional Educator License (PEL) endorsement in School Support Personnel from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
• Master’s or doctoral degree in social work from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Illinois social work license (LSW or LCSW).

Responsibilities

• Attend student problem-solving meetings, identify students at risk for social-emotional or behavioral difficulties, identify areas of need, help create intervention plans, and review behavioral data to monitor progress.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to identify students struggling behaviorally and provide behavioral supports, recommendations, and strategies to teachers and staff.
• Conduct parent interviews as part of comprehensive evaluations to gather socio-developmental information for special education plan development.
• Review student records for previous barriers to learning and interventions; analyze information from records and interviews to determine environmental impacts and resource needs; incorporate findings into written reports and oral presentations.
• Collaborate as a member of student support teams within the school.
• Support teachers and staff with positive behavioral and classroom-management practices by identifying evidence-based practices and helping implement them on an ongoing basis.
• Provide professional development to teachers and staff on evidence-based social-emotional learning practices and behavioral supports and interventions.
• Communicate with parents on an ongoing basis about student academic and social-emotional progress and concerns through meetings, letters, and/or email.
• Maintain ongoing liaison relationships with community agencies and other resources, and refer parents and students to agencies when appropriate.
• Communicate and maintain relationships with outside mental health organizations that support healthy student outcomes.
• Meet regularly with students experiencing social-emotional or behavioral challenges and provide mental health supports and practices to improve well-being and school functioning.
• Attend and participate in required special education meetings, including 504, initial consent/domain, initial and reevaluation, and manifestation meetings.
• Provide individual and group counseling as outlined in students’ IEPs or intervention plans.
• Fulfill mandated reporter responsibilities and investigate and report child abuse and neglect incidents to the Department of Family and Child Services.
• Assist with school crisis intervention and prevention, including preventive mental health screenings and following network protocols for emergencies such as school violence, deaths, and suicidal ideation.
• Complete IEP documentation promptly, including reports, eligibility documents, FBA/BIPs, relevant IEP sections, and progress reports.
• Attend mandated CPS and relevant district trainings to stay current with compliance requirements, practices, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain membership in professional organizations to stay current with practices and policies and network with colleagues.
• Maintain a detailed weekly and daily schedule to meet deadlines and responsibilities effectively.
• Maintain accurate records and an inventory of materials, assessments, and supplies; complete daily progress notes, weekly service documentation, and quarterly student achievement reports (IEP report cards).

Benefits

• 25+ paid holidays and 10 days of PTO annually, in addition to summer break for educators/campus positions.
• 12 weeks of paid family leave.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision healthcare.
• 403(b) matching: full match up to 3% and 50% match up to 5%.
• Professional development, including tuition reimbursement.
• Gym and wellness discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time