Position Type :
Special Services / K-8 Social Worker
Date Posted : 12 / 2 / 2024
Location : District Wide
PEKIN 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 processDemonstrate knowledge of child and adolescent developmentEstablish goals for the social work program appropriate to the setting and the students servedProvides professional development and consultation as needed to assure that teachers, administrators, and parents understand issues, regulation and processes of special educationPlan the counseling program, using individual and small group sessions, and including crisis prevention, intervention, and responsePlan, implement and evaluate interventions for at-risk students in consultation with administrators and teachersDevelop a plan to evaluate the social work programEnvironment
Create an environment of respect and rapportEstablish a culture for productive communicationEstablish a culture for positive mental health throughout the schoolEstablish clear procedures for referralsEstablish standards of conduct, and contribute to the culture for positive behavior throughout the schoolOrganize the counseling and work spaceEstablish and maintain norms of behavior for professional interactionsDelivery of Service
Assess student needsAssist students and teachers in the formulation of academic, personal / social, and career plans, based on knowledge of student needsUse counseling techniques, in individual and classroom programsBroker resources to meet needsDemonstrate flexibility and responsivenessChair evaluation teamRespond to referrals, consulting with teachers and administratorsMaintain contact with physicians and community mental health service providersProfessional Responsibilities
Reflect on practiceMaintain records, and submit them in a timely fashionCommunicate with families by establishing rapport and securing permissionParticipate in a professional community with an emphasis on the positive and supportive interactionsEngage in professional developmentShow professionalism, including integrity, advocacy and maintaining confidentialityAssure that parents understand their rights and responsibilities as specified in special education law and regulationAssures 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 :
The following documentation must be on file to complete the application process :
Letter of InterestResumeCopy of PEL from ELISCopy of transcript(s)Three(3) signed letters of recommendationDocumentation 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