Description

Perspectives Charter Schools Network is seeking a Social Worker for the 2023-2024 school year! 

About Perspectives Charter Schools

All Perspectives Charter Schools will provide scholars with a rigorous and relevant education, based on the ethical principles of A Disciplined Life®, preparing them for life in a changing world and helping them further become intellectually reflective, caring and ethical people engaged in a meaningful life.
All of Perspectives Charter Schools achieved Level 1 or 2 this year. As one of the first charter schools in Illinois, Perspectives has a long record of preparing scholars for success in college and beyond. Our five schools across the South Side of Chicago offer an education that combines character development and academic rigor through the A Disciplined Life® education model.
Our scholars come from some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the country, but they graduate from high school, enroll in college, and persist in college at a rate above the national average. The keys to our success are our dedicated, hard-working, creative, and compassionate colleagues.

We are committed to reducing barriers and fostering an anti-racist, non-discriminatory and inclusive environment by internalizing our core values of A Disciplined Life® and ensuring that our practices allow our diverse population of students and staff to grow, thrive, and excel.

Job Purpose
The Social Worker exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspectives Charter School and supports students pursuing an exceptional education by addressing their social emotional needs. The Social Worker displays discretion, confidentiality, honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the differing sectors of Perspectives Charter School and wider community. This position serves as an advocate for social justice, the development of character and the right to receive and pursue an exceptional education. Above all, the Social Worker holds the ability to view students as creative, resourceful and capable individuals who have the ability to function successfully at school and in life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides and documents progress on clinical supports with individual students and groups
• Assists administration in the responsibility of protecting the health, safety and welfare of students
• Confers with parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, support service personnel and students on matters of discipline, attendance, general safety and welfare of students
• Arranges for and attends meetings with regard to tier III student behaviors, and assists in creating goals and interventions in regard to behavior issues
• Assists students with academic, personal and social situations
• Processes chronic attendance and discipline issues (tier III) with students
• Maintains records of student disciplinary actions taken and student attendance
• Responds to student behaviors and school attendance in a timely manner
• Investigates, develops and implements proactive measures to encourage appropriates student behaviors, including improved school attendance
• Works with community and government agencies on issues relating to truancy from school. 
• Seeks out community resources and refers students for services
• Investigates, develops and implements proactive measures to encourage appropriates student behaviors, including improved school attendance
• Builds collaborative relationships with community agencies and CPS to identify resources for students and families
• Identifies and reports abuse and neglect situations to DCFS or appropriate agencies
• Meets regularly with school and network Leadership to trouble shoot problems and facilitate communication
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Principal or other school leadership

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintains professional growth which includes attendance at training and development programs
• Displays discretion, confidentiality, honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the differing sectors of Perspectives and wider community
• Assists with general supervision of school grounds
• Assists with assigning and monitoring student lockers and locker usage
• Exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspectives Charter Schools
• Demonstrates initiative and responsibility
• Serves as an advocate for social justice, the development of character, and the right to pursue and receive an exceptional education
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with administrators, teachers and parents
• Proven organizational and planning skills
• Proven ability to work well with diverse constituents

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited College or University 
• Master’s Degree in Social Work 
• Illinois Type 73 Licensure 
• At least one year of experience of social work in a school setting 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Perseveres in challenging situations; acts with professional integrity at all times 
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment 
• Communicates directly and sensitively with colleagues, parents and students 
• Demonstrates ability to exert strong leadership skills 
• Ability to make firm decisions in the areas of responsibility 
• Demonstrates ability to function effectively as a staff member 
• Proficiency with Crisis intervention skills

Basic Qualifications

• Exhibits a strong commitment to the ethos of Perspectives Charter Schools by thriving to live by the 26 principles of A Disciplined Life®
• Serves an advocate for social justice, the development of character and the right to pursue and receive an exceptional education
• Provide leadership in the development of improved classroom instruction, student performance and discipline
• Research and shape best practices, curriculums and school wide projects
• High level of managerial expertise
• Expertise in interpersonal proficiencies and writing competencies
• Excellence in parent/community involvement and the establishment of partnerships
• Strong instructional leadership and promotion of a positive school culture
• Keeps abreast of all local, State and Federal government policies, regulations/legislation

Physical Demands
Majority of work will be performed in a general office/school environment. Position requires availability for extended hours plus non-traditional hours required to perform job duties. Also requires participation and attendance at organization sponsored events and meetings

Language Skills

• Ability to read and write proficiently using the English language
• Ability to interact and speak effectively in interpersonal situations and before groups of people