Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School Social Workerto join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!
If you thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess a problem-solving mindset, a sense of humor, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk! 📲
As aSchool Social Worker,you are primarily responsible for helping students in Grades K- 12 succeed academically, socially, and emotionally, through individual and group counseling and by collaborating with educators, parents, and other professionals to create a safe, healthy, and supportive learning environment that strengthens connections between home and school.
‖ Responsibilities Include:
- Providing individual and group counseling sessions to address interpersonal or family issues that interfere with school performance, including crisis intervention consultation and/or family therapy as needed.
- Maintaining all required paperwork including but not limited to communication logs and meticulous notes regarding all services provided to students.
- Conducting interviews with students, family members, and school personnel to gather information required to assess student social, emotional and behavioral adjustment to school and the community.
- Maintaining regular contact with students’ parents/guardians to inform of student’s progress, areas of difficulties, and any changes or situations in home life that may affect school performance.
- Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) as needed in adherence to the company, school, state and federal regulations and procedure.
- Attending and participating in IEP team meeting, facilitating at the discretion of the school districts.
- Actively participating in other team meetings when necessary to address specific student and parent concerns.
- Collaborating with education and social services professionals (for example wrap- around, probation officers, court systems) to develop appropriate agency services for students and their families.
- Providing case management functions for students, which include but are not limited to, coordination of parent meetings, emergency transportation requests, and coordination with therapists outside the school setting.
- Collaborating and consulting with teachers, parents/guardians, district personnel, and service providers to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems; always establishing and maintaining effective public relations and projecting a positive company image.
- Ensuring the use of positive social skill teaching methods by conducting monthly direct observation of classroom staff’s implementation of IEP goals and/or Behavior Intervention Plans/ Treatment Plans.
- Providing guidance, consultation, and assistance to teachers in the development of classroom schedules, maintenance of student data systems and facilitation of student transition plans to assure appropriate schedules and services based on each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and/or other applicable goals.
- Assessing student progress through consistent review of classroom data collection and recording systems and providing applicable training and guidance to classroom staff accordingly in addressing student behavioral needs.
- Conducting crisis assessments and contacting the appropriate authorities if needed to ensure that emergency intervention is provided to students.
- Keeping up to date with research-based practices and developments in subject area.
- Responding constructively to formal and informal feedback.
- Performing other duties as assigned.
‖ Qualifications Required:
- Master’s degree or higher in social work, educational counseling, therapy or a closely related field of study.
- Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL professional educator license (PEL) school support personnel endorsement.
- Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential.
- Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management (PCM) training.
- Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with severe learning disabilities, emotional disturbance and/or behavioral disorders.
- Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), functional behavior analysis (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
- Proven success in developing and implementing effective intervention plans for students with diverse needs, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
- Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
- Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
- Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision making ability.
- Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Spectrum Center Schoolsis a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!
💻 Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chanceto transform lives through education!
‖ Perks and Benefits Include:
- Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
- FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
- Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
- Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
- Personal Protection Insurance Plans
- Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
- Legal Services Insurance
- Pet Health Insurance
- Accrual-based Paid Time Off
- School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
- Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
- 401k Retirement Saving Plan
- Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
- Opportunities for Growth & Development
- And So Much More!
If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
Education
Required
- Masters or better in Social Work or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- Active or In Process
- IL - School Support - SSP
- Social Worker - LCSW
- Crisis Prevention Inst
Skills
Required
- Special Education
- Counseling & Guidance
- Social School Work
- Crisis Intervention
- Autism
- Emotional Disturbance
- Multiple Disabilities
- Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Teacher Mentoring/Training
- Personalized Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Problem Solving
- Interpersonal Skills
- Behavioral Support
- Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
Behaviors
Preferred
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Motivations
Preferred
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
