School Social Worker- Part or Full-Time

The Vermilion Association for Special Education is seeking full or part-time school social workers for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year.  VASE serves students from 10 rural districts in Vermilion County, and two positions are open with the opportunity to work with elementary and junior high students or high school students.  Minimal travel is required. The cooperative hires 14 social workers, so a large team is available for collaboration.  Numerous professional development opportunities are available and paid for by the association. 

Requires ISBE Professional Educator License endorsed as School Social Worker.  

A $2000 yearly stipend is offered for National Certification. Board paid TRS and single health insurance premium. Starting pay at the MS+45 level!  

1. Develop, plan, and implement developmentally appropriate social work activities for children with exceptional needs as specified on IEPs, including individual and group counseling
2. Assist the child in understanding and accepting self, developing appropriate social skills, and developing long and short-term goals
3. Use empathy in interpersonal relationships
4. Provide crisis intervention as needed
5. Attend and participate in problem-solving meetings, IEP team meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned
6. Demonstrate effective leadership in multidisciplinary teams
7. Conduct 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.
8. Use diverse interview techniques
9. Identify and analyze the effects of cultural, environmental, socioeconomic, psychosocial, medical, and legal factors on a student’s educational achievement.
10. Assist with functional behavioral analyses and behavioral consultations
11. Present assessment findings in an understandable manner
12. Make clear, practical recommendations for behavioral interventions
13. Develop and implement prevention plans
14. Complete applicable paperwork, including IEPs, evaluation reports, progress reports, and other required forms
15. Develop measurable IEP goals and objectives aligned with the Illinois Social and Emotional Learning Standards
16. Work with parent groups to facilitate their support in their children’s school adjustment
17. Link school and community services by initiating referrals and maintaining follow-up services
18. Help school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies
19. Develop interagency connections to provide comprehensive services
20. Conduct inservice training programs
21. Provide consultation on issues, such as family functioning, normal child development, alternative programs for drop-outs, delinquents, truants, etc.
22. Implement specialized techniques, programs, and behavior management system in accordance with requirements of assigned schools
23. 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 VASE.
    1. Emergency – Crisis Intervention
    2. Mandates (Evaluation and IEP implementation)
    3. Teaming
    4. Consultation
    5. Assessment and referral services
    6. Program Development
    7. Liaison Work
    8. Staff Inservice Training
    9. Classroom Intervention
    10. Group Work with Students and Parents
    11. Individual Counseling with Parents or Students

24.  Perform other pertinent duties as assigned by the Director, Principal, or Building Administrator.