School Social Worker

Company: Ombudsman Educational Services
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 8, 2026

Job Description:

Starting Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 /year based on experience Environment: Alternative Education Program, High School Ombudsman Educational Services, 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. Ombudsman Educational Services is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, 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: - https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose }} 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! Your 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! Careers, With ChanceLight 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. 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.

Keywords: Ombudsman Educational Services, Lombard , School Social Worker, Education / Teaching , Chicago, Illinois