Social Worker(Full-Time)

School Social Worker – Therapeutic Day School

Location: Near Lincolnshire, IL
Pay: Up to $60/hour
Schedule: Full-Time, Year-Round
– Standard Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
– Student Hours: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
– ESY (Summer): 8 weeks, same hours
Start Date: Immediate

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and resilient School Social Worker to join a therapeutic day school serving students with significant needs. This is a full-time, immediate-start position replacing a valued team member who transitioned to a role closer to home.

The program currently serves 14 students (capacity: 18) from PreK through high school, referred from surrounding areas including Chicago, Arlington Heights, and Carpentersville. Students primarily present with Autism (often severe), with secondary diagnoses such as intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.

This role is ideal for someone who is driven to support students who are often overlooked and requires a high level of patience, structure, and commitment.

Student Population

Ages: PreK – High School (varies based on referrals)
Primary Diagnosis: Autism (severe)
Secondary Needs: Intellectual disabilities, mental health challenges
Communication: Many students are nonverbal or have limited verbal abilities (assistive technology commonly used)
Behavior: All students have Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs); behaviors may include aggression (biting, scratching, hitting)
Mobility: Students are ambulatory (not fully wheelchair-dependent)
Requirement: Students must be potty trained by age 8

Top 3 Core Responsibilities

Behavioral & Emotional Support

Implement and support Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation during behavioral incidents
Help students develop emotional regulation and coping skills

Counseling & Student Support Services

Provide individual and small-group counseling tailored to communication levels
Support social-emotional development using adaptive and assistive methods
Address underlying mental health needs

Collaboration & Case Management

Work closely with Special Education Teachers, SLPs, OT, and paraprofessionals
Participate in IEP meetings and contribute to goal development
Communicate regularly with families and outside stakeholders

Team Structure

2 Special Education Teachers (1 Academic Director)
8 Paraprofessionals
2 Speech-Language Pathologists
1 Part-Time Occupational Therapist

Environment

Located in a converted office park setting (functional)
Includes gym, multiple learning spaces, and a life-skills apartment-style room
No outdoor space
???????Materials and furniture are heavily used due to student needs

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) required
Illinois PEL with School Social Worker endorsement preferred (or ability to obtain)
Experience in therapeutic day schools OR with severe/profound needs strongly preferred
Strong behavioral management and crisis response skills

What Success Looks Like

You stay calm and effective in high-intensity situations
You build trust with students who have limited communication
You bring structure, consistency, and compassion to a challenging environment
You are motivated by impact not comfort

Why This Role

This is not an easy position but it’s meaningful. You will have the opportunity to make a direct impact on students who require the highest level of support and advocacy.