School Social Worker - Chicago - Ombudsman Educational Services

Description

Starting Salary:
$65,000 - $75,000 /year based on experience

Environment:
Alternative Education Program, High School

, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a

School Social Worker

to join our award-winning

Alternative Education

team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction
If you're passionate about supporting students in special education, thrive in a collaborative, outcome-focused environment, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference —

We Should Talk
As a

School Social Worker

, you'll play a pivotal role in empowering students to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through individual and group counseling, you'll help create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment, bridging essential connections between home and school. You'll collaborate closely with educators, families, and community professionals, fostering strong partnerships to support student success. In addition, you'll oversee daily site operations and serve as the key liaison, building and maintaining positive, dynamic relationships with school district representatives. Your positive influence, leadership, and commitment will inspire both students and colleagues alike.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

Providing individual and group counseling to support students experiencing social, emotional, or family-related challenges affecting academic success, including crisis intervention and family consultation as necessary.

Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress.

Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts.

Maintaining consistent communication with parents/guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home-life changes impacting school performance.

Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations.

Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes as directed by school district partners.

Actively contributing to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns.

Collaborating closely with educational and community-based professionals (e.g., wrap-around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families.

Providing thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources.

Consulting and collaborating proactively with teachers, parents/guardians, district representatives, and service providers to develop impactful solutions for student learning and behavior challenges while promoting a positive company image and strong community relations.

Ensuring effective implementation of positive social skill teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom observations focused on staff adherence to students' IEP and Behavior Intervention/Treatment Plan goals.

Providing guidance, training, and support to teachers regarding classroom schedules, student data management, and transition planning to ensure appropriate services aligned with Individualized Education Plans and targeted goals.

Assessing student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs.

Conducting timely crisis assessments and coordinating immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing.

Staying current with research-based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support.

Responding constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback.

Performing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

‖ Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study preferred.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator license (PEL).
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state school support personnel (SSP) social worker endorsement.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing social work services for children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Prior experience and/or knowledge in alternative educational services for at-risk students with diverse needs at various levels.
Highly skilled in working with children with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or behavioral challenges.
Prior experience and/or highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEP's).

Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).

Highly skilled in building and maintaining effective relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district partners.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

is a division of

, the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than

240,000 student lives
Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
At

ChanceLight

we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive

the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment Y

our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a

Chance

to transform lives through education

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Legal Services Insurance
Pet Health Insurance
Accrual-based Paid Time Off
School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Opportunities for Growth & Development
And So Much More
If you're ready to start

making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future

—

This Is Your

Chance
Join us and

together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential

Copyright 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a

ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Social Work or related field
Preferred

Masters or better in Social Work or related field
Licenses & Certifications

Required

Active or In Process
IL - Profl Educator - PEL
IL - School Support - SSP
Crisis Prevention Inst
Skills

Required

Alternative Education
Emotional Disturbance
Teacher Mentoring/Training
Parent Counseling & Train
Crisis Intervention
High School Education
Social School Work
Social Worker Services
Attention to Detail
Record Keeping & Reporting
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
Behavior Intervention Plans - BIP
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
Student Development
Behavioral Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Student Affairs
Working With At-Risk Students
Interdepartmental Collaboration
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Computer Skills
Behaviors

Preferred

Dedicated:
Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Functional Expert:
Considered a thought leader on a subject
Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact:
Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the

Know Your Rights

notice from the Department of Labor.