Join our Team: VWC School Social Worker/Counselor
About It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV):
The School Social Worker/Counselor at VWC plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students. This position involves delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students and families in academic achievement, individual planning, assessment, and personal/social growth. The School Social Worker/Counselor also serves as a key consultant to educators, families, and community partners and reports directly to the clinical director of the Village Wellness Center and the Principal.
Role:
The School Social Worker at ITAV LA plays a vital role in fostering the academic, social, and emotional development of students. This position involves delivering a comprehensive school counseling program that supports students and families in academic achievement, individual planning, assessment, and personal/social growth. The School Social Worker also serves as a key consultant to educators, families, and community partners and reports directly to the Principal.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Family & School Liaison:
- Act as a point of contact between families and the school to enhance parental engagement and involvement in their child's education.
- Equip parents/guardians with effective strategies to promote positive behavior and academic success at home.
- Organize and lead support groups for parents/guardians with similar concerns to foster a collaborative community.
- Provide referrals to appropriate external agencies and counselors as needed.
- Help parents/guardians understand their child's educational needs, including the identification and impact of any disabilities.
- Participate in school meetings and conferences to strengthen home-school communication and partnerships.
Community & School Collaboration:
- Serve as a liaison between the school, students, families, and community agencies to promote continuous coordination and cooperation.
- Partner with internal colleagues, including the Director of the Village Wellness Center, to execute cross-functional strategies and initiatives.
- Facilitate communication with external partners and organizations for mental health referrals and support.
- Participate in the management and coordination of referrals from external agencies for special education services.
Student Support & Development:
- Provide individual and group counseling sessions to support students' social and emotional well-being.
- Teach life skills and social skills to students, aiding their overall development.
- Intervene during crises to support students temporarily removed from the classroom setting.
- Collaborate with teachers and parents/guardians to develop strategies that enhance student skills and functioning.
- Offer short-term classroom support for students with severe behavior challenges to help modify their behavior.
Assessment & Support:
- Proficient in the administration of IM+CANs.
- Knowledgeable in the use of a variety of assessment tools that span different aspects of mental health, behavioral health, and overall well-being (i.e., ACE, BASC-3, Conners, Beck, etc.).
- Serve as the case manager for K-8 evaluations, ensuring thorough assessments of developmental histories and at-home functioning for students being considered for special education.
- Participate in leadership teams to address and resolve academic and behavioral interventions for students.
- Assess student needs and make referrals to appropriate school resources, social services, community agencies, and alternative programs.
Curriculum & Staff Support:
- Contribute to curriculum development and instructional planning, particularly as it relates to social and emotional learning.
- Consult with school staff to increase awareness and sensitivity to student performance issues and behavioral changes.
- Advise administration on school and community issues impacting educational performance, such as attendance, trauma, and delinquency.
- Develop and lead in-service programs for teachers on topics like abuse, suicide prevention, protective behaviors, and emotional development.
- Plan, coordinate, and conduct classroom group guidance sessions focused on academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth.
- Assist teachers in understanding their students through data interpretation and analysis.
- Provide in-service training on the school counseling program and strategies for supporting student achievement.
- Fulfill other duties as assigned by the VWC director, VWC clinical supervisor, and School Principal.
Why Join Us?
-
Impact: Make a profound difference in the lives of individuals and communities by playing a pivotal role in addressing social, emotional, and psychological needs.
-
Growth: Be part of an innovative, expanding organization with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
-
Community: Collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals committed to supporting and advocating for vulnerable populations.
-
Innovation: Contribute to a cutting-edge model of education that integrates social justice, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Location: ITAV LA Campuses (Chicago, IL)
Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $65,000 - $73,000
