School Social Worker at Chicago Public Schools

ABOUT CPS: We are an urban district on the rise. The support and resources we provide to our staff enables them to make the greatest difference where it’s needed most. Be a part of the change. Our mission is to provide a high quality public education for every child, in every neighborhood, that prepares each for success in college, career and civic life.

Position Title: School Social Worker

Under the supervision of personnel from the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services and in collaboration with the school principal, School Social Workers are responsible for the educational, psychological, and social development, progress, tracking, assessment and support of all students in assigned classes/caseloads, and performs other duties as assigned and required. School social workers are assigned to schools based on the citywide needs of the district of which requirements related to general and special education services, evaluation, staffing, and mandated counseling are carried out in conjunction with the educational, psychological, and health disciplines.

Specialty Functions:

• A valid license issued by the Illinois State Board of Education, endorsed as a School Social Worker

• Provide counseling services to students in both general and special education programs,
  using individual, group and classroom methodologies, along with consult services to faculty, co-team members, parents, and other appropriate parties regarding socio-cultural and emotional factors impacting the student’s learning experiences

• Perform diagnostic assessments for students needing initial evaluations, re-evaluations or special evaluations and participate in all meetings/conferences to determine eligibility for and adequacy of services on an annual or as-needed basis

Essential Functions:

Within the context of the CPS Framework for School Social Work, all School Social Workers should utilize a continuous improvement process that refines his or her practice. Each School Social Worker should...

• Develop and implement intervention and prevention programs that
  assist in the reduction of at-risk students, including implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) utilizing evidenced- based interventions

• Participate on problem-solving teams in the school environment to support student success and collaborate with community agencies to promote accessibility of services to the school community and inclusion of student families

• Support the professional development of colleagues through referrals, collaboration with outside services, and linking services and intervention strategies to the classroom to enhance the student’s overall educational development

• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students

• Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline

• Personalize student supports through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available

• Advocate for the district’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements:

• A graduate degree in social work from from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

• Completion of the CPS online application and teaching profile at cps.edu/teach

• A valid license or credential issued by the state licensing board, with the appropriate endorsement(s) for the role

Physical Requirements:

• Light Work: Exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Employment Expectations:

• All new hires must satisfactorily complete all CPS on boarding requirements which include, but are not limited to, passing a tuberculosis test, drug test and state and federal criminal background checks. CPS is a drug and alcohol free workplace.

It is the policy of the Board to prohibit unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation on the basis of any classifications protected by the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Illinois and applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy discrimination), gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, national origin or sexual orientation. Concerns or Inquiries should be made to the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office Administrator at (773) 553-1013. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and related regulations concerning sex discrimination also should be referred to the CPS Equal Opportunity Compliance Office (773) 553-1195.