The role of the Social Worker at The Frances Xavier Warde School is to enable students to achieve to their fullest potential academically by assisting students to develop coping skills, increase self-esteem, improve interactive skills, and facilitate environmental changes that will enable successful functioning within the learning setting. School social workers also provide crisis intervention as well as individual and group intervention services supporting mental health issues for students, as well as their community and family.
Responsibilities & Duties
Collaborate with Director of Climate and Culture on restorative practices and advisory topics
Conduct peer mediation
Facilitate parent meetings about student needs/topics of mental health/developmental transitions
Assist with the transition from 3rd to 4th grade, and from 8th grade to high school
Conduct comprehensive intake assessments to incorporate an understanding of family background and cultural diversity when implementing interventions
Conduct risk assessments in collaboration with school administration
Observe students with diverse learning/emotional/behavioral needs to help with identifying accommodations and interventions in the classroom
Participate in the socio-emotional assessment of students, and intervene in peer relational dynamics in the natural classroom environment, as needed
Write socio-emotional and behavioral intervention progress reports for possible consideration for IEPs/504s, as needed
Provide support during family transitions
Consult with parents/guardians and outside providers
Maintain appropriate records
Work in coordination with school personnel and parents to develop appropriate programming for students
Attending grade level and team conferences to discuss a student's socio-emotional needs and to provide recommendations
Connect students and their families with outside community and educational resources, as needed
Ability to effectively communicate with teachers, administrators, and parents
Ensure all services are performed in accordance with state laws and regulations, and ethical mandates of the mental health profession
Perform other Social Work duties/responsibilities required by the Program and within the scope of maintaining licensure and/or certification
Qualifications and Skills
Required degree in social work from an accredited college or university and maintenance of status of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Strong clinical skills with 4th-8th grade students and parents
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, parents, and administration
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Ability to work independently, be organized, and be flexible with ever changing priorities and/or situations
Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate with students, parents, administration, faculty, and staff
Familiarity with a wide range of learning styles, socio-emotional needs, and mental health diagnoses
Commitment to the creation and sustainability of an inclusive, equitable learning environment for all students
Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
Employee must be able to support philosophy and mission of the School
Additional Skills and Experience
Proficient in Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access
Must be compliant with all Archdiocese of Chicago Protection of Children and Youth requirement
TB test
Must have received certification through the IL DCFS Mandated Reporter Training
