School Social Worker at Spectrum Center Schools and Programs Lindenhurst, IL

School Social Worker – $2,500 Sign‑On Bonus!

Location:

Lindenhurst, IL

Employer:

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs

Starting Salary: $55,814 – $83,721 per year, based on experience.
Sign‑On Bonus: $2,500.

We are seeking a dedicated School Social Worker to join our award‑winning Special Education team. In this role you will help students in Grades K‑12 succeed academically, socially, and emotionally through individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and collaboration with educators, parents, and other professionals.

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to address interpersonal or family issues that interfere with school performance, including crisis intervention and family therapy as needed.
• Maintain all required documentation, including communication logs and detailed service notes.
• Conduct interviews with students, family members, and school personnel to gather information for assessing students’ social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment.
• Maintain regular contact with parents/guardians to inform them of students’ progress and any changes affecting school performance.
• Develop and update Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Attend and facilitate IEP team meetings, as required.
• Participate in other team meetings to address specific student and parent concerns.
• Collaborate with education and social service professionals to develop appropriate agency services for students and families.
• Provide case management functions, including coordination of parent meetings, emergency transportation requests, and communication with external therapists.
• Consult with teachers, parents/guardians, district personnel, and service providers to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems.
• Conduct monthly direct observations of classroom staff to assess implementation of IEP goals and BIPs.
• Assist teachers in developing classroom schedules, maintaining student data systems, and facilitating transition plans.
• Assess student progress through review of classroom data and provide training and guidance to staff as needed.
• Conduct crisis assessments and notify appropriate authorities to ensure timely emergency intervention.
• Stay current with research‑based practices and developments in the field.
• Respond constructively to formal and informal feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree or higher in social work, educational counseling, therapy, or a closely related field.
• Licensed or in the process of obtaining an Illinois professional educator license (PEL) school‑support personnel endorsement.
• Licensed or in the process of obtaining a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company‑approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, especially with students having severe learning disabilities 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 (BIPs).
• Proven success in developing and implementing effective intervention plans for students with diverse needs.
• Proficiency in motivating students and engaging in critical conversations to help them achieve realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, instruction, curriculum development, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Proficiency with relevant technology, including Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Free telehealth and virtual counseling sessions.
• Free health advocacy services and 24/7 nurse line.
• Company‑paid life and 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.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Perks at Work employee discount program.
• Opportunities for growth and development.
• And additional benefits as provided by the company.

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.