What are the responsibilities and job description for the School-Based Social Worker position at Career Links?
School-Based Social Worker
Location: School Districts
Job Type: Part-Time | 3 days per week
Caseload: Approximately 20 students
At Career Links, you’ll find everything that makes being a therapist, social worker, interpreter, psychologist, educator, or healthcare professional so appealing. Here, rewarding assignments, exciting locations and great perks come together to offer amazing opportunities to healthcare professionals.
We take pride in successfully pairing the best healthcare professionals with top-notch facilities nationwide. Our commitment is to serve you with understanding, integrity, and professionalism.
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled School-Based Social Worker to join our team in a K–5 elementary school setting. This part-time position (3 days per week) focuses primarily on providing social work services to students in self-contained autism classrooms, ensuring compliance with IEP service minutes and supporting students’ social-emotional, behavioral, and functional needs.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with students on the autism spectrum and will collaborate closely with special education staff, general education teachers, administrators, and families to promote student success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct social work services in accordance with IEPs, with the majority of the caseload supporting self-contained autism classrooms
- Deliver individual and small-group counseling focused on social skills, emotional regulation, behavior support, and coping strategies
- Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and support staff to develop and implement effective interventions
- Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and progress monitoring
- Conduct social-emotional and functional assessments as needed
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with state and district requirements
- Consult with families and provide resources, referrals, and support as appropriate
- Support school-wide initiatives related to social-emotional learning and positive behavior supports as time allows
Qualifications:
- Required Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)
- Required Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Social Worker endorsement
- Experience working with students with autism and/or in self-contained special education settings strongly preferred
- Knowledge of IEP processes, special education law, and trauma-informed practices
- Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills
Schedule & Employment Details:
- Part-time: 3 days per week (school-year position)
- Schedule to be determined in collaboration with the building and special education team
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience
- Position follows the school calendar
Why Join Us?
- Supportive, collaborative school team
- Meaningful work with a focused and consistent caseload
- Opportunity to make a direct impact on students with diverse learning and social-emotional needs
- Predictable schedule with work-life balance
Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, and retirement)
- School calendar schedule
- Supportive school environment with manageable caseload
- Ongoing professional development opportunities