School Social Worker (2026/2027)

Young World Physical Education; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A school district in Joliet, Illinois, is seeking a School Social Worker to provide essential support services to preschool and school-age children. The ideal candidate must hold an MSW degree and a Professional Educator License with a Social Worker Endorsement. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, providing therapy, and developing intervention plans. Applicants should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and be capable of working independently and within a team. Competitive salary and benefits per collective bargaining agreement.

Qualifications

• MSW degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Professional Educator License with Social Worker Endorsement.

Responsibilities

• Provide school social work and related follow‑up services for pre‑school and school‑age children.
• Arrange for and complete social developmental studies and family analysis.
• Participate in development of management plans and implement intervention strategies.
• Provide individual and/or group therapy to students.
• Investigate and report suspected child abuse cases to appropriate agencies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Public relations skills

Mathematical skills

Reasoning ability

Teamwork

Ability to work independently

Education

MSW degree from an accredited school of social work

Professional Educator License with Social Worker Endorsement

Job description

Job Overview

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

POSITION: School Social Worker

POSITION GUIDE:

Certificated Personnel
9 Months
Bargaining Unit Position
Non–Exempt

Salary and Benefits: In accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Board of School Inspectors of School District 86, Will County, Illinois, and the Council #86 of the American Federation of Teachers- Local 604 of School District #86. Max. 10 years full‑time Certified Teaching Experience

FUNCTION: Under delegated authority from the Coordinator of Funding and Private Placements to provide school social work and related follow‑up services for pre‑school and school‑age children through the 8th grade within District 86.

Qualifications

• MSW degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education
• Professional Educator License with Social Worker Endorsement and Approval and Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Social Worker through the Department of Professional Regulation

Authorities

• Arrange for and complete social developmental studies and family analysis related to learning and social behavior problems of referred children.
• Plan and develop appropriate social work intervention techniques based on completed evaluations.
• Arrange and conduct conferences regarding evaluated children.
• Participate in development of management plans, implement intervention strategies for children, parents, and teachers, and make agency contacts for follow‑up on social problems.
• Assure safety and well‑being of students at risk due to abuse, neglect, or crisis.

Performance Responsibilities

1. Function as a member of the Case Action Team or Pre‑School Assessment Team.
2. Provide social developmental studies and adaptive behavior assessments for children referred to the Case Action Team.
3. Participate in staffing of children evaluated with appropriate school personnel.
4. Confer and cooperate with the Case Action Team members as needed for case disposition and follow‑up.
5. Participate in re‑evaluation staffings of children placed in special education programs.
6. Participate in placement staffings of children entering Behavioral Disorder and other special class programs.
7. Provide individual and/or group therapy to students on a social work caseload.
8. Recommend appropriate intervention procedures for evaluated children and/or families.
9. Consult with school personnel and parents regarding management of learning and social behavior problems upon request.
10. Provide liaison services between schools and community agencies and other institutions.
11. Provide liaison services between school and home upon request.
12. Confer with parents regarding social history and family analysis findings and recommendations.
13. Investigate and report suspected child abuse cases to appropriate agencies.
14. Serve as a member of a Crisis Intervention Team during state of crisis or emergency.
15. Provide written reports on all evaluated children and others who received social work services.
16. Develop IEPs for each child on a therapy caseload.
17. Submit bi‑monthly activity reports to the Coordinator of Funding and Private Placements.
18. Attend monthly staff development sessions and other meetings as called.
19. Other duties as assigned.

Communication Skills

• Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication using a variety of techniques.
• Compose correspondence, reports, and other required written materials.
• Read, analyze, and interpret information.
• Effectively present information and respond to questions and complaints.
• Display courtesy, tact, and respect when interacting with others.

Mathematical Skills

• Perform basic math using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals consistent with duties.

Reasoning Ability

• Interpret a variety of instructions and information in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Identify and define problems, collect and analyze data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Other Skills and Abilities

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Promote a harassment‑free environment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and teamwork.
• Learn and utilize office equipment, computers, and software as systems update.
• React well under pressure, handle multiple demands and interruptions, and perform duties with professionalism.
• Possess extensive knowledge and competence to perform duties in compliance with district, Board, state, and federal laws and policies.
• Work independently with minimum supervision.
• Prepare and maintain accurate files and records.
• Meet strict deadlines.

Physical Demands

Regularly stand, walk, sit, talk, and hear. Frequently reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds. Required vision abilities: close, distance, and focus adjustment.

Work Environment

Primarily indoors with occasional outdoor activity. Requires in‑district and out-of-town travel for training or duties. Noise level: quiet to moderate. Experiences constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines.

The information contained in this job description complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.