School Social Worker→ 26/27 SY

ChanceLight Programs•Fox Lake, IL

2d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School Social Worker to join our award-winning Special Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year 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 in Grades K-8 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.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in social work or a closely related field of study.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state professional educator (PEL) school support personnel (SSP) credential.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining one or more of the following credentials: LCSW | LCSW- R | LMSW | DCSW | C-SSWS | ACSW | CSW | LASW | LSW | SSW
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience working with children as social worker, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Highly skilled in working with individuals with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral challenges and/or other related disabilities.
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, and functional analysis/behavior intervention plans.
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.

Responsibilities

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.