School Social Worker

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) works to support networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support. OSD provides the tools and resources to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a high-quality public education that prepares students for success. OSD supports networks, schools, and families with all issues related to special education, including instruction, interventions, and legal and compliance support.

Job Summary\:

Reporting to the RSP Manager, Social Work, the School Social Worker enables students to achieve to their fullest potential academically by assisting students to develop coping skills, increase self-esteem, improve interactive skills, and facilitate environmental changes that will enable successful functioning within the learning setting. School Social Workers also provide crisis intervention as well as individual and group intervention services supporting mental health issues for students, school personnel and community/family.

The School Social Worker will be held accountable for the following responsibilities\:

• Provide crisis, individual and group interventions as appropriate.
• Consultation services to faculty, co-team members, parents and other appropriate parties regarding the socio-cultural and emotional factors impacting on the student’s learning experiences.
• Diagnostic assessment for students needing initial evaluation or reevaluation.
• Individual Education Conferences to help determine eligibility for special education programs and counseling services on all cases where social work services are recommended.
• Conduct professional development/training and workshops for teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Provision of leadership in developing and coordinating school-community partnerships that includes school-based and school-linked services.
• Development and implementation of intervention and prevention programs that will assist in the reduction of at-risk students.
• Participation in problem-solving initiatives in the school environment to support student success.
• Referral to, and consultation with, appropriate community agencies, development and coordination of relevant community resources to address specific needs of the students.
• Linkage of services and intervention strategies to the classroom to enhance the child’s overall educational development.