School Social Worker

University of Illinois School of Social Work; Ford Heights (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Illinois School of Social Work is seeking a full-time School Social Worker based in the South Suburban area outside of Chicago. This role focuses on supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs through counseling and collaboration with educators and families.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and a current Illinois PEL. Strong communication skills and experience in school settings are essential.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker endorsement.
• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated skills in counseling and student assessment.

Responsibilities

• Support students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Conduct assessments and maintain accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with educators and families to develop support plans.

Skills

Individual and group counseling

Student assessment

Collaboration with educators

Communication skills

Culturally responsive practices

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)

Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)

Job description

Role Description

The School Social Worker is a full-time, on-site role based in the South Suburban area outside of Chicago. This professional supports students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs through individual and group counseling, classroom observations, and social-emotional learning interventions. The School Social Worker collaborates with teachers, administrators, families, and community agencies to develop and implement student support plans, including behavior interventions and crisis response. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, maintaining accurate documentation, participating in multidisciplinary meetings, and contributing to Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans when applicable. The role also involves providing referrals to community resources, supporting family engagement, and promoting a positive, inclusive school climate aligned with the school’s mission and values.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker endorsement, or eligibility to obtain required licensure.
• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated skills in individual and group counseling, student assessment, and development of social-emotional and behavioral intervention plans.
• Experience collaborating with educators, families, and community agencies to support student success in a school setting.
• Understanding of trauma-informed, restorative, and culturally responsive practices in K–12 education.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including accurate documentation and clear, professional communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritize tasks, and respond appropriately to urgent situations or crises.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting students from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with special education processes, including participation in IEP and 504 plan development, is preferred.
• Previous experience as a school social worker or in a child and adolescent mental health setting is highly beneficial.