General Education - Social Worker

Rantoul City Schools District 137 is hiring a Gen Ed. Social Worker for our District.

Why choose RCS? Here are three reasons, just to get started...

• Our Students. Once you meet them, you will love them!
• Small Classes. We pride ourselves on our very small class sizes (15-20 per class).
• Professional Support. Our schools have Instructional Coaches, Tech Integration Specialists, Reading and Math Specialists, Counselors and Social Workers__all to support you and your students.

 District and Salary Information

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Director of Special Education and Building Principal, the Social Worker provides social work services to, and on behalf of, students ages 3 to 21 so that educational and social/emotional development can be enhanced.

General Qualifications:

• Master’s in Social Work from an accredited university or college
• Knowledge of IL special education rules and regulations
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout county
• Willingness and ability to be trained in techniques for physically restraining students, if necessary
• Type 73 School Service Personnel: School Social Work

Specific Duties include, but not limited to the following:

• Evaluates and assesses student progress against instructional objectives
• Possesses working knowledge of state and federal laws related to Social Work (Section 504)
• Coordinates individual and group meetings for students
• Provides an atmosphere and environment conducive to the intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of each student to ensure success
• Manages behavioral Tier system (1, 2, and 3)
• Assists in district initiatives (Ex. Bullying, Sexual Harassment, etc.)
• Makes home visits and provides resources for families
• Serves as liaison between community organization and the school to meet the needs of students
• Teaches social skills lessons within the regular education classroom
• Provides an orientation (expectations) for new students who enroll after the start of the school year
• Articulates Social Work curriculum between and among grade level
• Maintains appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices
• Communicates and interacts with students, parents, staff and community
• Administers formal and informal diagnostic assessment in the area of social/emotional learning
• Works cooperatively with the administration and staff to schedule meetings
• Possesses knowledge of Social Work research, trends, and best practices
• Monitor the pacing of instruction and budget class time efficiently by providing clear directions, outlining expectations, and effectively bringing to closure instructional experiences
• Utilizes technology for communication, assessment, and information management
• Demonstrates organizational and problem-solving skills
• Maintains regular attendance and arrive promptly according to schedule
• Complies with timelines for evaluations, reports, and other assigned tasks
• Identifies needs for professional growth and engages in professional growth activities
• Maintains confidentiality of student information
• Maintains accessibility to teachers, administrators, and parents
• Maintains current in knowledge of special education rules and regulations
• Takes initiative to complete other tasks for the benefit of the organization
• Report questions/concerns to immediate supervisor
• Complies with all applicable local, state, and federal health, safety, education, and related rules and regulations.
• Develops, plans, and implements developmentally appropriate social work activities for children with exceptional needs as specified on IEPs, including individual and group counseling
• Assists the child in understanding and accepting self, developing appropriate social skills, and developing long and short-term goals
• Uses empathy in interpersonal relationships

• Provides crisis intervention as needed
• Attends and participate in problem-solving meetings, IEP team meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned
• Demonstrates effective leadership in multidisciplinary teams
• Conducts comprehensive social developmental studies to assist in determining eligibility for special education services, including classroom observations, teacher and parent interviews, rating scales, review of records, etc.
• Uses diverse interview techniques
• Identifies and analyzes the effects of cultural, environmental, socioeconomic, psychosocial, medical, and legal factors on a student’s educational achievement.
• Assists with functional behavioral analyses and behavioral consultations
• Presents assessment findings in an understandable manner
• Makes clear, practical recommendations for behavioral interventions
• Develops and implements prevention plans
• Completes applicable paperwork, including IEPs, evaluation reports, progress reports, and other required forms
• Develops measurable IEP goals and objectives aligned with the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards
• Works with parent groups to facilitate their support in their children’s school adjustment
• Links school and community services by initiating referrals and maintaining follow-up services
• Helps the district receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies
• Develops interagency connections to provide comprehensive services
• Conducts inservice training programs
• Provides consultation on issues, such as family functioning, normal child development, alternative programs for drop-outs, delinquents, truants, etc.
• Implements specialized techniques, programs, and behavior management system in accordance with requirements of assigned schools
• The following is the Priority List established for social workers by the Illinois State Board of Education and is supported by the School Social Workers as RCS.
• Emergency – Crisis Intervention
• Mandates (Evaluation and IEP implementation)
• Teaming
• Consultation
• Assessment and referral services
• Program Development
• Liaison Work
• Staff Inservice Training
• Classroom Intervention
• Group Work with Students and Parents
• Individual Counseling with Parents or Students
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Demonstrates ability to respect differing opinions, accept constructive criticism, and handle conflict.
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills.
• Performs duties as assigned.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to communicate (verbal and written); ability to instruct students, and effectively communicate with parents and colleagues.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to use web-based programs, e-mail, and technology (laptop, Smartboard, etc.)

Working Conditions:

• Indoor classrooms/School, exposure to: student noise, lawn mowing, music, odors of food, mowed grass and possible communicable diseases.
• Outdoor schoolyard and grounds, exposure to; temperatures (hot warm, cool, cold), and exposure to mowed grass.
• Regular work attendance.