Social Worker

Position Type:

Student Support Services/Social Worker

Date Posted:

3/5/2026

Location:

New Horizon Center

Date Available:

08/20/2026

Closing Date:

05/01/2026

Job Description

Program Social Worker

New Horizon Center

6737 W. Forest Preserve Dr.

Chicago, IL 60634

Revised 3/5/2026

Position: Program Social Worker

Reports to: Principal

Minimum Qualifications: 1. Professional Educator License: School Social Worker

2. Experience providing specialized services for students with complex needs

3. Masters Degree

Job Summary: The Program Social Worker provides necessary guidance and support for students, families and staff of New Horizon Center. The Program Social Worker is expected to contribute to the implementation and improvement of the organization's programs and its service to the students of referring districts.

Performance Expectations: The Program Social Worker should provide effective, strategic service, support and leadership when implementing the following responsibilities. Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Leadership and Vision of Learning:

Promotes the success of all learners by providing effective, comprehensive, and broad-based support to student programs and services.

Engages in activities to promote a climate of positive collaboration and authentic teamwork in all areas of responsibility.

Maintains high accessibility and visibility to staff, students, parents and district personnel.

Participates in professional development activities and networking to maintain and improve professional competence.

Learning Environment and Instructional Program:

Assists staff in the implementation of functional and social instruction necessary to students' individual goals/objectives and/or program goals.

Assists staff with behavioral programming and classroom management in alignment with program expectations.

In collaboration with the therapy team, supports staff with the implementation of appropriate instructional and assistive technology.

Provides direct social work services or counseling, per students' IEPS.

Assists parents with accessing community services, funding, and resources toward transition into adulthood.

Assists the classroom teams with the creation and implementation of functional behavior assessments, behavior plans, and transition plans, as needed.

As a representative of the program, attends all IEP meetings and reevaluation meetings.

Prepares necessary reports and documentation for appropriate IEP/Reevaluation meetings and meets required timelines.

Provides crisis management assistance, as appropriate.

Other Professional Responsibilities:

Demonstrates problem-solving skills, flexibility, organizational skills, patience and creativity, to support student success.

Maintains a high level of integrity, fairness, ethical behavior and confidentiality of information regarding students and all job-related matters.

Demonstrates ethnic and cultural sensitivity and competence.

Promotes high expectations for self and students.

Demonstrates a genuine interest in the student population and vision of the organization.

Follows policies and procedures and relevant state, federal rules and regulations adopted by the Board.

Performs related duties, as assigned.

Physical Work Requirements:

Sit for extended periods of time.

Enter data into a computer, operate standard office equipment, telephone, and student technology.

See and hear a computer screen and printed matter with or without visual aids.

Hear and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

Speak, so that others may understand at normal levels and on the telephone.

Stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull and move, lift and/or carry up to 25-50 pounds waist height.

Physically manage students, if necessary. Participate in Professional Crisis Management training and methods.

Work in both indoor and outdoor environments, some of which may have air-conditioning.

Work in environments where privacy is limited and noise levels vary.

The salary for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by staff assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.