The School Social Worker/School Psychologist is responsible for providing direct and indirect support services to students experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges that interfere with their performance at school. This clinician serves as the communication nexus between the school, home, and community providers. In addition, the clinician should establish good relationships with parents and other staff members and should align to the SSDS Mission which states:

"At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we ignite our student's Jewish souls, educate them to their highest potential, and empower them to use their knowledge, skills and creativity to enrich our world."

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provide school social work services to students who present with social/emotional/behavioral concerns that negatively impact their ability to function within the school setting.

Duties of this job include, but are not limited to:

• Serving as related service provider:
• Serve as case manager for students with ISP and 504 plans
• Consult with families, teachers, and outside providers
• Provide counseling services (group, individual)
• Develop and monitor behavior intervention plans
• Maintain timely and accurate case notes
• Use best practices to inform clinical treatment planning

Duties also include providing services to students, staff and families:

• Establish and maintain positive, trusting relationships with students
• Develop interventions to increase social and academic success
• Help students develop skills for appropriate social interactions with peers
• Help students understand and accept themselves and others and successfully navigate the social environment
• Assist with conflict resolution and anger management.
• Assist in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.
• Connect families with appropriate social service agencies
• Assesses mental health concerns
• Provides crisis intervention support and safety planning
• Maintaining professional competence through in-service and professional growth activities.
• Other related duties as assigned.

This position reports to the Assistant Principal.

Faculty values that drive our work together

• Jewish Values and Torah

• Professionalism

• Optimism

• Collaboration

• Respect

• Open Communication

• Innovation and Creativity

• Life-Long Learning

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, accident and other insurance, sick/personal time, 403(b) retirement plan, early dismissal for Shabbat, professional development opportunities, wonderful leadership team and belonging to an amazing community. Come join us!

Skills required for this position include:

• Enthusiasm about engaging with children, adolescents, and other educators
• The ability to develop creative solutions to challenging situations
• The ability to set and maintain professional boundaries
• Calm and collected demeanor during crisis situations
• A proactive work ethic, growth mindset, and positive attitude
• Take initiative, advocate for students, demonstrate sound judgment
• Highly collaborative and discreet with sensitive information
• Excellent interpersonal, executive functioning, and communication skills
• Maintain confidentiality and adherence to NASW/NASP code of ethics

Qualification Requirements

• Masters degree in Social Work or Psychology, from an accredited program
• Must hold professional licensure
• Experience working with children and adolescents