School Social Worker

Ombudsman Educational Services a growing dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking aSchool Social Workerto 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 youre 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! ð²

As a School Social Worker youll play a pivotal role in empowering students to reach their full potentialacademically socially and emotionally. Through individual and group counseling youll help create an inclusive supportive and nurturing environment bridging essential connections between home and school. Youll collaborate closely with educators families and community professionals fostering strong partnerships to support student addition youll 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.

â 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.

â Qualifications Required:

• Bachelors degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
• Masters 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 (IEPs).
• 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 (BIPs).
• 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.

Ombudsman Educational Services is a division ofChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education the nations 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 240000 student lives!

ð Learn more about our history our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job as a member of our team youll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts the support needed to achieve success and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here where growth empowerment and collaboration define our culture; and every day is aChanceto transform lives through education!

  â 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 youre ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future This Is YourChance!

  Join us and together we can empower students to overcome challenges build confidence and unlock their full potential!

  Careers With ChanceLight ð Work. With Purpose.

  ^{Copyright 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education a ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.}