School Social Worker

Regional Office of Education #21 is seeking applicants for  

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

The Regional Office of Education #21 is seeking a dedicated and compassionate School Social Worker to serve students in the ECHO Alternative School and STARQuest Academy Regional Safe School Programs. This position provides comprehensive social work services in an alternative educational setting, supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth through individualized interventions, family engagement, and collaborative partnerships.

The ideal candidate is a student-centered professional who builds meaningful relationships, communicates effectively with students, families, educators, and community partners, and demonstrates empathy, sound judgment, and professionalism. The successful candidate is committed to helping at-risk youth overcome barriers to learning while contributing to a collaborative, supportive school environment.

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QUALIFICATIONS 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to effectively support students in an alternative education setting.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker endorsement; or
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with current Illinois licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
• Ability to meet all employment requirements established by the Regional Office of Education #21.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with at-risk youth, alternative education programs, or students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The School Social Worker will provide comprehensive social work services that support the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success of students in an alternative learning environment. Responsibilities include:

• Build positive, trusting relationships with students, families, educators, administrators, and community partners to remove barriers to student success.
• Conduct assessments, evaluations, and diagnostic examinations to identify students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs and develop appropriate interventions.
• Provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and case management services that promote student growth, resilience, and well-being.
• Develop, implement, and monitor student intervention, behavior management, and support plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.
• Connect students and families with school and community resources while serving as a liaison with outside agencies, organizations, and state and federal entities, as appropriate.
• Organize and facilitate parent meetings, workshops, and other family engagement opportunities.
• Maintain accurate, confidential student records and documentation in accordance with professional, ethical, and legal standards.
• Utilize technology and data systems to support service delivery, monitor student progress, and maintain required documentation.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities while contributing to a collaborative, student-centered culture focused on continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Regional Office of Education #21.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will possess:

• A valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Social Worker endorsement; or
• A Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with current Illinois licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
• Experience working with at-risk youth, alternative education programs, or students with diverse academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain confidentiality, and collaborate effectively with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• A commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while helping students overcome barriers to academic and personal success.

WHY JOIN ROE #21?

The Regional Office of Education #21 serves as the educational leadership hub for Southern Illinois, dedicated to strengthening the capacity of learners, educators, leaders, and school districts.  

SALARY / BENEFITS

This is a 10-month position offering a salary of $45,000-$55,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to the competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive benefits package.  Benefits include health, dental, and retirement.

Offers of employment will be made contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, and criminal background check, Candidates who refuse to submit to employment requirements will be disqualified from the hiring process.  

HOW TO APPLY: Mail or email cover letter, resume, transcripts, (3) professional references, and the ROE 21 Employment Application to Ms. Lorie LeQuatte, Regional Superintendent of Schools, 502 West Jackson Street, Marion, IL 62959, [email protected].  The ROE 21 Employment Application can be found here: https://www.roe21.org/jobs/.  

Only complete applications will be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.