School Psychologist

Social Worker | Harvey, IL| Full-time 2024/2025

Hours per week:37.5

Dates: As soon as possible start date until May 29, 2025

Caseload/ Details: 20 SPED and general education students in crisis as needed

# of Positions: 1

Onsite

Special Requirements: IL PEL endorsed as School Social Worker (PK-21)
Masters Degree in School Social Work

Job responsibilities:
1. Client Assessment and Evaluation
Conduct Comprehensive Assessments: Evaluate clients physical, emotional, social, and economic needs through interviews, home visits, and direct observation to identify the challenges they face.
Develop Care and Treatment Plans: Create individualized care or treatment plans based on the clients needs, including interventions to address mental health, family dynamics, addiction, financial struggles, or social isolation.
Monitor Client Progress: Track client progress over time by conducting follow-up assessments, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to ensure continued growth and well-being.
2. Counseling and Support
Provide Individual and Group Counseling: Offer therapeutic counseling services to clients dealing with mental health issues, trauma, addiction, grief, or interpersonal conflicts. Social workers may provide direct counseling or refer clients to therapists for long-term care.
Crisis Intervention: Respond to crises, such as domestic violence, child abuse, suicidal ideation, or homelessness, by providing immediate support and connecting clients to emergency services.
Develop Coping Skills: Help clients build effective coping strategies and life skills to manage personal challenges such as anxiety, depression, or family stress.
3. Resource and Referral Coordination
Link Clients to Resources: Assist clients in accessing community services such as healthcare, housing, food assistance, employment services, and mental health care. Social workers ensure clients receive the necessary resources to improve their quality of life.
Advocate for Clients: Serve as advocates for clients, ensuring they receive fair treatment and access to services from government agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
Coordinate with External Agencies: Work with schools, hospitals, legal organizations, and nonprofit groups to coordinate comprehensive care and resources for clients.
4. Case Management
Maintain Accurate Case Files: Document all interactions, assessments, treatment plans, and interventions with clients, maintaining detailed case notes and records according to Illinois state regulations and ethical guidelines.
Monitor and Review Care Plans: Regularly review and update clients' care plans to ensure their changing needs are met. Work closely with clients and their families to provide holistic care and support.
Ensure Legal Compliance: Stay informed of and comply with Illinois state laws regarding social services, child protection, elder care, and mental health services, such as mandatory reporting requirements.
5. Advocacy and Social Justice
Advocate for Policy Change: Work to address social justice issues within communities, such as poverty, access to healthcare, mental health services, and education. Advocate for policy changes that promote equality and protect vulnerable populations.
Community Education and Outreach: Conduct workshops or outreach programs on topics such as mental health awareness, domestic violence prevention, and substance abuse to educate the public and foster community well-being.
Promote Inclusivity and Cultural Competence: Ensure that all services are culturally sensitive and accessible to diverse populations, including immigrants, minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities.
6. Crisis Management and Emergency Support
Respond to Crises: Provide immediate assistance during crises such as natural disasters, domestic violence, mental health emergencies, or substance abuse issues. Coordinate with emergency services, shelters, and hospitals to ensure clients receive necessary support.
Crisis Counseling: Offer short-term counseling to individuals and families experiencing emotional trauma, providing strategies to cope with the crisis and long-term recovery options.
Child Welfare and Protection: Respond to cases involving child abuse, neglect, or endangerment, ensuring the safety and welfare of children by working closely with child protective services, law enforcement, and legal agencies.
7. Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams
Work with Other Professionals: Collaborate with healthcare providers, school staff, law enforcement, therapists, and other social workers to provide a comprehensive approach to client care.
Participate in Team Meetings: Contribute to multidisciplinary meetings to discuss client cases, plan interventions, and coordinate services across different sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services.
Engage with Families: Work with clients families to ensure they understand and are involved in the care and intervention process, fostering strong support systems.
8. Specialized Roles and Settings
School Social Workers: Support students facing social, emotional, or academic difficulties. Work with teachers, parents, and administrators to address behavioral issues, implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and ensure students receive proper care.
Healthcare Social Workers: Assist patients in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities with discharge planning, mental health support, and access to medical resources. Help patients and families navigate complex healthcare systems and insurance issues.
Child and Family Social Workers: Provide services to families dealing with child welfare issues such as abuse, neglect, foster care, or adoption. Work with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to ensure child safety and reunification when appropriate.
Substance Abuse Social Workers: Help clients struggling with addiction by providing counseling, support groups, and referrals to treatment facilities.
9. Professional Development and Training
Engage in Continuing Education: Maintain state licensure by completing continuing education credits, staying updated on new social work practices, ethical standards, and legal regulations.
Provide Staff Training: Educate colleagues, students, or community members on issues such as trauma-informed care, diversity, and effective intervention strategies.
Stay Informed on Best Practices: Participate in workshops, seminars, and professional organizations to stay informed of the latest developments in social work and mental health services.