North Lawndale College Prep

School Social Worker - 12 month position

Position SummaryPosition Summary

The School Social Worker at NLCP plays a pivotal role in supporting students' social, emotional, and behavioral well-being to enhance their academic success. This position involves collaborating with students, families, staff, and community resources to address barriers to learning and promote a positive school climate. The Social Worker will provide direct services, including counseling and crisis intervention, and contribute to the development and implementation of programs that support student growth and resilience. The Social Worker holds responsibility for special education and general education programming.

Reports To:

Principal or designee

Position ResponsibilitiesDirect Student Support

• Provide individual and group counseling services to students facing social, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' needs and develop appropriate intervention plans.Implement evidence-based interventions to support students' mental health and well-being.
• Monitor and document student progress, adjusting interventions as necessary.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Work closely with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to identify students in need of support.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies that promote student success.
• Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community agencies to coordinate services and resources.
• Provide consultation to staff on issues related to student behavior, mental health, and social-emotional learning.

Program Development and Implementation

• Develop and facilitate programs aimed at promoting positive behavior, social skills, and emotional regulation.
• Lead initiatives that address school-wide issues such as bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed practices.
• Foster relationships with community partners, liaise and lead these partnerships through sourcing to program implementation and monitoring.
• Collaborate with school leadership to integrate social-emotional learning into the curriculum.
• Participate as a member of, and in some cases lead, MTSS teams in support of strong student attendance, social-emotional growth, and student behavior.

Compliance and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of services provided to students.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to social work services in schools.
• Prepare reports and documentation required for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and other student support plans.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to crises involving students, providing immediate support and intervention.
• Develop and implement crisis response plans in collaboration with school administration.
• Provide support to students and staff during and after critical incidents.

Position Requirements

• Master's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) (required)
• Possess valid School Social Worker endorsement through the Illinois State Board of Education (required)
• Must become Safety Care certified within 3 months of starting the position (offered through Chicago Public Schools).
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in teaching, instructional leadership, or an academic leadership role.
• Experience using student data to drive intervention planning and instructional decision-making.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to engage with teachers, administrators, and families.
• Knowledge of evidence-based academic and behavioral interventions.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Commitment to educational equity and the belief that all students can succeed.
• Proficiency in data management tools and student information systems.
• Strong ability to lead professional development and coaching for educators.
• Experience working with diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
• Effective problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Culturally responsive approach to student intervention and engagement.
• Good level of proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Drive) and general computer applications

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and interact with students and staff.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent work in a school setting with a moderate to loud noise level.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Compliance with all board policies, ISBE requirements, and relevant educational laws and regulations.