School Social Worker/Counselor

Join our Team: VWC School Social Worker/Counselor

About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):

The School Social Worker/Counselor at VWC plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students. This position involves delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students and families in academic achievement, individual planning, assessment, and personal/social growth. The School Social Worker/Counselor also serves as a key consultant to educators, families, and community partners and reports directly to the clinical director of the Village Wellness Center and the Principal.

Role:

The School Social Worker at ITAV LA plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students. This position involves delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students and families in academic achievement, individual planning, assessment, and personal/social growth. The School Social Worker also serves as a key consultant to educators, families, and community partners and reports directly to the Principal.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Family & School Liaison:

• Act as a point of contact between families and the school to enhance parental engagement and involvement in their child's education.
• Equip parents/guardians with effective strategies to promote positive behavior and academic success at home.
• Organize and lead support groups for parents/guardians with similar concerns to foster a collaborative community.
• Provide referrals to appropriate external agencies and counselors as needed.
• Help parents/guardians understand their child's educational needs, including the identification and impact of any disabilities.
• Participate in school meetings and conferences to strengthen home-school communication and partnerships.

Community & School Collaboration:

• Serve as a liaison between the school, students, families, and community agencies to promote continuous coordination and cooperation.
• Partner with internal colleagues, including the Director of the Village Wellness Center, to execute cross-functional strategies and initiatives.
• Facilitate communication with external partners and organizations for mental health referrals and support.
• Participate in the management and coordination of referrals from external agencies for special education services.

Student Support & Development:

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to support students' social and emotional well-being.
• Teach life skills and social skills to students, aiding their overall development.
• Intervene during crises to support students temporarily removed from the classroom setting.
• Collaborate with teachers and parents/guardians to develop strategies that enhance student skills and functioning.
• Offer short-term classroom support for students with severe behavior challenges to help modify their behavior.

Assessment & Support:

• Proficient in the administration of IM CANs.
• Knowledgeable in the use of a variety of assessment tools that span different aspects of mental health, behavioral health, and overall well-being (i.e., ACE, BASC-3, Conners, Beck, etc.).
• Serve as the case manager for K-8 evaluations, ensuring thorough assessments of developmental histories and at-home functioning for students being considered for special education.
• Participate in leadership teams to address and resolve academic and behavioral interventions for students.
• Assess student needs and make referrals to appropriate school resources, social services, community agencies, and alternative programs.

Curriculum & Staff Support:

• Contribute to curriculum development and instructional planning, particularly as it relates to social and emotional learning.
• Consult with school staff to increase awareness and sensitivity to student performance issues and behavioral changes.
• Advise administration on school and community issues impacting educational performance, such as attendance, trauma, and delinquency.
• Develop and lead in-service programs for teachers on topics like abuse, suicide prevention, protective behaviors, and emotional development.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct classroom group guidance sessions focused on academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth.
• Assist teachers in understanding their students through data interpretation and analysis.
• Provide in-service training on the school counseling program and strategies for supporting student achievement.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the VWC director, VWC clinical supervisor, and School Principal.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities by playing a pivotal role in addressing social, emotional, and psychological needs.

• Growth: Be part of an innovative, expanding organization with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

• Community: Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations.

• Innovation: Contribute to a cutting-edge model of education that integrates social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence.

Location: ITAV LA Campuses (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $65,000 - $73,000

Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) or Masters degree in Counseling accredited by The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
• LSW or LPC required; LCSW or LCPC preferred.
• PELwith School Social Worker Endorsement preferred
• Competence in Social and Emotional Learning, Family Management, Group Dynamics, Human Growth and Development, Organizational Theory, Program Planning and Coordination, Research, Special Populations (e.g., disabled, youth in poverty), and behavior management techniques (e.g., CBT, Mindfulness).
• Minimum of five years of social work/counseling experience, with at least 2 years experience working in schools.

Who You Are:

• 
  A passionate advocate for education equity and social justice.

• A creative problem solver able to assess situations, identify challenges, and develop effective strategies to address various issues
  A community-minded leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Resourceful in finding and accessing services, programs, and interventions that meet the unique needs of students and families.

• Someone with a deep respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're driven to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and lead our social services into a new era of compassion and support, we're eager to connect with you. To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume here

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• Competitive, transparent payscale aligned with local public schools

• 80% employer contribution of medical benefits

• 3% 401(k) company match

• Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance

• Targeted, ongoing professional development

• International travel opportunities with students

• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact