School Social Worker

Position Type : Special Services / K-8 Social WorkerDate Posted : 12 / 2 / 2024Location : District WidePEKIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT 108 ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING VACANCIES FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR : SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER District Wide QUALIFICATIONS : Certification : Illinois Professional Educator License with Social Worker Endorsement REPORTS TO : Direct Supervisor : Special Education Coordinator VISION : The school social worker applies professional understandings of child psychosocial development and the influences of family, community and cultural differences as they interact with special education processes. He or she supports the families of children with instruction, counseling, and information needed to participate in their child's education. The school social worker provides psychosocial and observational data essential to the evaluation of students' eligibility for special education services. In addition, the school social worker consults with administrators and teachers in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of interventions for students eligible for special education services, and at times, for students in the general population. Together with the school psychologist, the school social worker carries case management responsibility for all students referred for evaluation or identified as eligible for special education services. JOB GOALS : All special education decisions will be informed by knowledge of child psychosocial development and pathology, psychosocial and programmatic interventions, and or law and regulations. Student eligibility for-or entitlement to-special education programming shall be based upon appropriate information, including but not limited to psychosocial and observational data, consultation with administrators, teachers, and parents, and research on the relative effectiveness of intervention strategies and programs. Families of students will be informed and supported to enhance student success. RESPONSIBILITIES : Planning and Preparation Demonstrate knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, i.e., individual consultations and group process Demonstrate knowledge of child and adolescent development Establish goals for the social work program appropriate to the setting and the students served Provides professional development and consultation as needed to assure that teachers, administrators, and parents understand issues, regulation and processes of special education Plan the counseling program, using individual and small group sessions, and including crisis prevention, intervention, and response Plan, implement and evaluate interventions for at-risk students in consultation with administrators and teachers Develop a plan to evaluate the social work program Environment Create an environment of respect and rapport Establish a culture for productive communication Establish a culture for positive mental health throughout the school Establish clear procedures for referrals Establish standards of conduct, and contribute to the culture for positive behavior throughout the school Organize the counseling and work space Establish and maintain norms of behavior for professional interactions Delivery of Service Assess student needs Assist students and teachers in the formulation of academic, personal / social, and career plans, based on knowledge of student needs Use counseling techniques, in individual and classroom programs Broker resources to meet needs Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness Chair evaluation team Respond to referrals, consulting with teachers and administrators Maintain contact with physicians and community mental health service providers . Professional ResponsibilitiesReflect on practice Maintain records, and submit them in a timely fashion Communicate with families by establishing rapport and securing permission Participate in a professional community with an emphasis on the positive and supportive interactions Engage in professional development Show professionalism, including integrity, advocacy and maintaining confidentiality Assure that parents understand their rights and responsibilities as specified in special education law and regulation Assures parents understand and are prepared to participate in the special education system. Assess the need for and conducts instruction in various topics pertinent to parents' needs, including parenting skills, ADHD, and behavior management. Terms of employment : 180 days Work day typical for certified staff per contract, including the possibility of an Atypical schedule Non-exempt, bargaining unit position Salary / Benefits commensurate with current contract Application procedure : District 108 must have : A completed online application : http : / / www.generalasp.com / Pekin / onlineapp / default.aspx The following documentation must be on file to complete the application process :

• Letter of Interest
• Resume
• Copy of PEL from ELIS
• Copy of transcript(s)
• Three(3) signed letters of recommendation Documentation should be uploaded with your online application, however if you are unable to upload, you may email, fax, or mail. Email : julie.draher@pekin108.org Fax : 309 477-4701 Mailing address : Director of Human Resources Attention : Application Process 501 Washington Street Pekin, Illinois 61554 For direct questions, please contact : Julie Draher at 309-477-4740 or by email at julie.draher@pekin108.org PLEASE DO NOT SEND APPLICATION MATERIALS TO INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL District 108 is an equal opportunity employer Position will be filled as soon as suitable applicant is found