School Social Worker → $5,000 Sign-on Bonus!

Atlantis Academy•Lindenhurst, IL

3h•$60,000 - $80,000

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, is seeking a School Social Worker for a special education program serving grades K–12. The role supports students with diverse learning, social, emotional, and behavioral needs, helping them overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their potential. The social worker provides individualized and group counseling, proactive interventions, case management, and crisis support, while collaborating with educators, families, school districts, mental health professionals, and community providers to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. The position includes assessment and intervention planning, IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan development and monitoring, family communication, documentation, classroom observations, staff guidance, referrals, and coordination of services. The social worker contributes to multidisciplinary meetings, uses behavioral data and evidence-based practices to guide support, and pursues continuous improvement and professional development.

Requirements

Master’s degree or higher in social work or a closely related field.
Current license or progress toward obtaining a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or School Social Worker (SSW) credential.
Current or in-progress Illinois state School Support Personnel (SSP) credential.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing social work services to children; experience in alternative education, special education, or behavioral health settings is preferred.
Knowledge of applied behavior analysis (ABA), including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), functional behavior analysis (FBA), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Skill working with children with severe learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders, or related disabilities.
Experience or knowledge working with students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, teachers, community partners, and district partners.
Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them work toward realistic goals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from staff, students, parents, and the public.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly during emergencies and make independent decisions.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Knowledge of relevant technology, including computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience providing social work services to children in an alternative, special education, or behavioral health program setting.

Responsibilities

Provide individual and group counseling for social, emotional, behavioral, and family-related challenges, including crisis intervention, consultation, and family support.
Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential counseling notes, communication logs, progress reports, and other required records.
Assess students through interviews and collaboration with students, families, and school personnel; identify needs and develop targeted interventions.
Build relationships with parents and guardians and communicate about student progress, challenges, and relevant home or school circumstances.
Develop and update IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans in alignment with student needs and applicable requirements.
Participate in IEP meetings, multidisciplinary discussions, and student support conferences; contribute professional insight and advocate for student needs.
Coordinate with educators, mental health professionals, community agencies, and external providers to connect students and families with support and resources.
Coordinate case management, including family meetings, community referrals, emergency transportation requests, and collaboration with outside therapists and service providers.
Collaborate with teachers, families, district personnel, and multidisciplinary teams to address learning and behavioral challenges and represent the organization professionally.
Monitor IEP goals, Behavior Intervention Plans, and treatment strategies through monthly classroom observations; provide constructive feedback and reinforce evidence-based behavioral supports.
Support classroom teams with individualized schedules, student data, transition plans, and instructional strategies that build social skills, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution.
Evaluate student progress using behavioral data, classroom observations, and intervention outcomes; guide and train staff, conduct crisis assessments, and coordinate emergency interventions when needed.
Model compassionate, professional, solution-focused interactions and promote a positive school culture grounded in evidence-based practices, data-informed decisions, and positive behavioral interventions and supports.
Keep current with social work research, evidence-based practices, educational resources, and professional development opportunities.
Use feedback, collaboration, and continuous improvement to strengthen individual performance and team effectiveness.