Ombudsman Educational Services , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a School Social Worker to join our award-winning Alternative 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're passionate about supporting students in special education, thrive in a collaborative, outcome-focused environment, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills, a compassionate approach, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference — We Should Talk!
As a School Social Worker , you'll play a pivotal role in empowering High School students to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. Through individual and group counseling, you'll help create an inclusive, supportive, and nurturing environment, bridging essential connections between home and school. You'll collaborate closely with educators, families, and community professionals, fostering strong partnerships to support student success. In addition, you'll oversee daily site operations and serve as the key liaison, building and maintaining positive, dynamic relationships with school district representatives. Your positive influence, leadership, and commitment will inspire both students and colleagues alike.
Providing individual and group counseling to support students experiencing social, emotional, or family-related challenges affecting academic success, including crisis intervention and family consultation as necessary.
Maintaining accurate and timely documentation, including detailed communication logs and precise records of student services and progress.
Conducting comprehensive interviews with students, families, and school staff to evaluate and understand students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs within both school and community contexts.
Maintaining consistent communication with parents / guardians to share student progress, identify challenges, and stay informed about any home-life changes impacting school performance.
Developing and updating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in alignment with company guidelines and school, state, and federal regulations.
Attending and actively participating in IEP team meetings, facilitating discussions and decision-making processes as directed by school district partners.
Actively contributing to collaborative team meetings to effectively address specific student and family concerns.
Collaborating closely with educational and community-based professionals (e.g., wrap-around services, probation officers, court representatives) to coordinate comprehensive support for students and families.
Providing thorough case management, including coordination of parent meetings, handling emergency transportation needs, and connecting students with external therapeutic resources.
Consulting and collaborating proactively with teachers, parents / guardians, district representatives, and service providers to develop impactful solutions for student learning and behavior challenges while promoting a positive company image and strong community relations.
Ensuring effective implementation of positive social skill teaching strategies by conducting monthly classroom observations focused on staff adherence to students' IEP and Behavior Intervention / Treatment Plan goals.
Providing guidance, training, and support to teachers regarding classroom schedules, student data management, and transition planning to ensure appropriate services aligned with Individualized Education Plans and targeted goals.
Assessing student progress through consistent analysis of classroom data collection, providing targeted training and support to staff in response to identified student behavioral needs.
Conducting timely crisis assessments and coordinating immediate intervention with appropriate authorities to ensure student safety and wellbeing.
Staying current with research-based practices, emerging trends, and best practices in school social work and special education support.
Responding constructively and proactively to both formal and informal performance feedback.
Performing additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
LCSW | LCSW- R | LMSW | DCSW | C-SSWS | ACSW | CSW | LASW | LSW | SSW
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
Ombudsman Educational Services is 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
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! Y
our path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a
Chance
to transform lives through education!
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!
Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.
Copyright © 2025 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company
Education
Required
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Skills
Required
Behaviors
Preferred
Motivations
Preferred
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.
School Social Worker • Chicago, IL, US