School Social Worker

Apis Services Inc•Woodridge, IL

8h•$0 - $63,000•Onsite

About The Position

As a School Social Worker, you will assist students with academic learning by providing strategic services that identify and address the social-emotional-environmental issues that interfere with the educational process. You will work with parents/guardians, teachers, school principal and community-based resources to implement strategies that promote a positive school experience for all students. This role involves identifying and assessing academic problems through analysis of factors impinging on student adjustment, serving as a liaison between families and the school, providing individual and group therapeutic counseling, and conducting parent/guardian educational workshops. You will collaborate with school staff, participate in IEP teams, provide crisis intervention and case management, and offer staff consultation on behavioral-emotional-environmental issues. Additionally, you will develop programs to address parent/guardian participation and student engagement, conduct classroom meetings and social skills groups, maintain clinical records, complete risk and functional behavior assessments, and serve as a liaison with community agencies. You will also attend meetings and professional development, develop specialized programmatic activities, and maintain a list of community resources. Compliance with Abraxas Youth and Family Services policies and procedures is expected.

Requirements

Master’s degree from a school social work program accredited by the Council on School Social Work; alternative education experience working with students that have at-risk behavior or special needs.
Illinois Certification LBS I
Writing Skills - Must be able to compose a variety correspondence such as memorandums, letters, agendas, summaries, etc. in a clear and concise manner. May be required to proofread the work of others and suggest changes when necessary.
Verbal Skills - Must be able to speak clearly when interacting with others in person or while on the telephone. Must be able to ask questions when assignments are unclear or ambiguous. Must be able to communicate with officials, clients and the general public.
Accuracy of Work - Must be able to complete assignments accurately and within the given deadlines. Must be able to plan accordingly when deadlines of current projects change.
Independence and Teamwork - Must be able to work independently and in group settings. Must be willing to lead the work of others on occasion.
Computer Skills - Must have working knowledge of all software applications used by the supported group. This typically includes using word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, charts and database software applications. Must be able to determine when various software applications should be integrated together when completing assignments. In addition, must be able to functionally use any other software applications that are unique to the business unit where this position operates.
Office Equipment - Must have thorough understanding of various equipment typically found in an office environment.
Valid Illinois licensure as a School Social Worker (PEL School Support Personnel).
Advanced training and related experience in the social and emotional development of individuals with exceptional needs.
Documented training in Drug and Alcohol addiction and recovery.
Ability to promote positive behavior and manage resistant behavior.
Physical ability to safely and effectively manage aggressive behavior.
Assertiveness, confidence and leadership abilities.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Effective time management skills.
At least twenty-one (21) years of age
Must have a valid Driver's License
Physical exam that includes TB and drug testing.
Must pass both federal and state background checks which screen for crimes including, but not limited to drug related crimes, violent crimes, sexual abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, and repeated misdemeanors.
Satisfactory completion of background screening and applicable pre-employment checks, including but not limited to employment and/or personal reference and driving records.
Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department.

Responsibilities

Assist students with academic learning by providing strategic services that identify and address the social-emotional-environmental issues that interfere with the educational process.
Work with parents/guardians, teachers, school principal and community-based resources to implement strategies that promote a positive school experience for all students.
Identifies and assesses academic problems through analysis of factors impinging on student adjustment including factors in the home, school, and community.
Serves as a liaison between families and the school to positively promote collaborative processes in educational planning for students by encouraging parent/guardian participation in the school setting.
Provides individual and group therapeutic counseling to students and their families.
Provides parent/guardian educational workshops on identified issues related to adolescent development, stress reduction, discipline and safety, and teacher/parent/student communication.
Collaborates with school staff and other school system personnel in implementing strategies to promote student learning.
Participate as members of the IEP, and other school-based teams to develop interventions for promoting students’ academic success.
Provides crisis intervention services.
Provides social work case management for students and families.
Provides staff consultation on behavioral-emotional-environmental issues affecting student participation in the learning process.
Conducts staff development on issues related to social-emotional-environmental factors that impact learning.
Develop programs to address parent/guardian participation in the school and student engagement in the educational process.
Conducts classroom meetings, psycho-educational social skills groups, and classroom presentations on identified areas of concern for the students.
Maintains required clinical records and submits appropriate documents for statistical reports with adherence to program standards in school social work.
Completes risk assessments on referred students.
Completes functional behavior assessments on identified students.
Completes classroom student observations.
Serves as liaison with community agencies and assists in fostering communication between schools, parents/guardians, and community leaders.
Locates and mobilizes community resources to support the educational program.
Attends meetings and professional development activities as required.
Develop and coordinate specialized programmatic activities for the program to assist with addressing student needs and individualizing their educational needs.
Develop and maintain a current list of resources that include self-help/support groups to ensure comprehensive services are provided to students and their families.
Facilitate staff meetings and conferences at the direction of the Principal.
Comply with Abraxas Youth and Family Services policies and work rules as described in the company Employee Handbook, Seven Key Principles of care, the Facility Policies and Procedure Manual, including directives of Abraxas Youth and Family Services managers and supervisors in a cooperative spirit to ensure conformance to company standards.
Performs other duties as required