School Social Worker

Join our Team: VWC School Social Worker

About The Village Wellness Center (VWC) and  It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV) :
VWC and ITAV’s partnership is the beacon for serving, educating, and loving Black children and families. Together, we provide a comprehensive, culturally responsive social justice education, life-empowering social services, and a transformative impact. At VWC and ITAV, learning is fun and transformative, services are intentional, teaching is innovative, and growth, along with knowledge, is not bound by an

Role:

The School Social Worker at the Village Wellness Center (VWC) plays a vital role in supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of students at It Takes A Village Leadership Academy, a K–8 school. This position provides comprehensive school social work services, including individual and group services, crisis intervention, family engagement, and connection to school and community resources.

The School Social Worker works under the supervision of the Clinical Director of the Village Wellness Center while collaborating closely with the School Principal, administrative team, and educators. As a trusted consultant, they help to create a supportive school environment that fosters student success and well-being.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Direct Student Support:

• Provide individual and group counseling for students experiencing academic, behavioral, emotional, or social challenges.

• Deliver crisis intervention and support for students and families in urgent or high-need situations.

• Assess student needs through interviews, observations, and collaboration with teachers and parents.

• Develop and implement behavior support plans and social-emotional learning strategies.

Assessment & Support:

• Administer and interpret assessments such as the IM+CANs and other mental health, behavioral, and well-being tools (e.g., ACE, BASC-3, Conners, Beck inventories).

• Serve as the case manager for K–8 evaluations, ensuring thorough assessment of developmental histories, academic performance, and home functioning.

• Assess student needs to make informed referrals to school resources, social services, community agencies, and alternative programs.

• Manage the development and implementation of MTSS to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.

• Participate actively in leadership teams focused on addressing and resolving academic and behavioral interventions.

Collaboration & Consultation:

• Partner with teachers, administrators, and support staff to address student needs and develop intervention strategies.

• Participate in IEP and 504 meetings and ensure required paperwork is completed for student services.

• Serve as a consultant to the school’s administrative team, providing expertise on mental health, behavior, and family engagement.

Curriculum & Staff Support:

• Contribute to curriculum development and instructional planning related to social-emotional learning and student well-being.

• Consult with school staff to increase awareness and sensitivity around student performance and behavioral changes.

• Advise administration on school and community issues such as trauma, delinquency, and attendance that affect student achievement.

• Develop and lead professional development and in-service training for staff on topics including trauma-informed practice, protective behaviors, and emotional development.

• Assist teachers in understanding student data and behavioral patterns through data interpretation and analysis.

Family & Community Engagement:

• Engage parents/guardians to strengthen the home-school connection.

• Link families with community resources, including mental health, housing, financial assistance, and other social services.

• Provide workshops or informational sessions for families on relevant topics (e.g., parenting skills, student mental health).

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and confidential case records, service logs, and reports in accordance with district, state, and federal guidelines.

• Adhere to professional ethics, confidentiality requirements, and mandated reporting laws.

Other Duties:

• Supervise and mentor student interns, providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth in alignment with university partnership requirements.

• Participate in professional development and continuing education to maintain licensure and stay current on best practices.

• Fulfill additional responsibilities as assigned by the VWC Director, Clinical Supervisor, and School Principal to support the school’s mission and student well-being.

Location:  ITAV LA Campuses (Chicago, IL)

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $65,000 - $73,000

Required Education and Experience

Educations & Licensure: 

• Master's degree in Social Work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 

• Current state School Social Worker (LSW) required

• Clinical licensure (LCSW or equivalent ) preferred.

• Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Social Worker Endorsement preferred.

Skills & Experience: 

• Experience in a K–12 school or youth-focused setting is preferred.

• Strong counseling, crisis intervention, and case management skills.

• Knowledge of child development, mental health, and social-emotional learning best practices.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with educators, administrators, and community partners.

• Culturally responsive and able to work with diverse populations.

• Minimum of five years of social work with at least 2 years of experience working in schools.

Work Environment:

• School-based setting, including summer programming, with occasional community meetings.

• Requires a balance of independent responsibilities, such as direct student services, case management, and documentation with active participation in collaborative team activities.

• Includes extended desk work and occasional lifting/moving of 10–20 pounds.
   

Who You Are:

• A passionate advocate for education equity and social justice.

• A creative problem solver able to assess situations, identify challenges, and develop effective strategies to address various issues
  A community-minded leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Resourceful in finding and accessing services, programs, and interventions that meet the unique needs of students and families.

• Someone with a deep respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to fostering inclusive communities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're driven to make a positive impact on individuals' lives and lead our social services into a new era of compassion and support, we're eager to connect with you. To apply, please upload your cover letter and resume here

Compensation and Benefits Package:

• Competitive, transparent pay scale aligned with local public schools

• 80% employer contribution of medical benefits

• 3% 401(k) company match

• Up to $10,000 in annual tuition assistance 

• Targeted, ongoing professional development

• International travel opportunities with students

• Opportunities for leadership, growth, and meaningful impact