School Social Worker

Lawrence Hall•Chicago, IL

4d•$52,000 - $57,000•Onsite

About The Position

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma. Its work is guided by the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. The School Social Worker provides direct services to students and families within Lawrence Hall’s Education Department, supporting students’ academic, emotional, behavioral, and social success. The role delivers trauma-informed interventions, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and contributes to educational planning and crisis response. The position is based in a school setting serving students with behavioral, emotional, and educational needs. Exposure to behavioral crises and emotionally demanding situations may occur. The position is full-time, with flexibility to meet program and student needs, and has no driving requirements. The role requires successful completion and maintenance of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification, including recertification every six months, and participation in ongoing training and professional development. The position is classified as exempt under the FLSA. Salary is $52,000–$57,000 annually, with compensation based on a set salary range and additional consideration for relevant education and experience.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire.
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL/Type 73), unless licensed as an LCSW.
Ability to obtain and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification.
Strong verbal, written, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to effectively engage students, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
No history of child abuse or neglect.
Ability to kneel and return to a standing position without assistance while implementing TCI intervention techniques.
Ability to use verbal and physical interventions when necessary with youth ages 6–21.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing social work services in educational, behavioral health, special education, or residential treatment settings.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, childhood trauma, and adolescent development.
Experience supporting special education programming and IEP development.

Responsibilities

Provide individual, group, and family social work services supporting students’ academic, emotional, behavioral, and social development.
Conduct student intakes, assessments, crisis interventions, and psychiatric hospitalization evaluations when appropriate.
Develop, implement, and monitor treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to student needs.
Support special education services by developing and reviewing IEP goals, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), social-emotional goals, and transition plans.
Coordinate services and support positive outcomes through collaboration with students, families, educators, community providers, and interdisciplinary teams.
Maintain accurate documentation and records in compliance with agency, educational, and regulatory requirements.
Complete and maintain TCI certification, including recertification every six months, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.