Social Worker II

Position Overview

The Illinois School for the Deaf is seeking to hire a Social Worker 2.  This position applies social work theory, principles, and techniques in both individual and group treatment of students who are deaf or hard of hearing with varied assets or potentials from infancy through young adulthood, and/or their families who manifest complex emotional or physical needs or problems.

Essential Functions

• Provides individual counseling of Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) students who are deaf or hard of hearing to assist them in achieving their highest potential.

• Provides group therapy to select groups of students to enhance social skill development and/or develop more effective coping strategies and/or problem resolution skills resultant of dealing with new experiences, maladjustment in peer groups, interpersonal, familial, or environmental stressors.

• Serves as a consultant to academic and/or residential staff to work cooperatively to identify behaviors. Develops a treatment plan and monitors follow-up.

• Participates in interdisciplinary, interdepartmental, or interagency conferences and staffing, including Individual Education Plans and Eligibility Reviews to share pertinent information, professional impressions and recommendations and implement designated recommendations regarding individual students.  

• Provides supportive relationships and counseling to families of students to aid in effective communication between child and family and to assist in establishing and maintaining positive school-home relationships.

• Completes required reports for individual case files and prepares annual summary for supervisor.

• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a master's degree in social work from a recognized college or university supplemented by one (1) year of professional social work experience in the evaluation and treatment/habilitation of mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or other disabled persons.

• Requires the School Social Worker Endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education.

*Qualifying state employees, in the employee Upward Mobility Program, may complete combinations of specific proficiency tests and training programs leading to a certificate of proficiency in lieu of the stated requirements for this class

Conditions of Employment

• Requires the ability to pass the American Sign Language (SLP) at the Intermediate skill level within 18 months of hire.

• Requires ability to pass the IDHS background check.

• Requires ability to pass a drug screen for drugs prohibited from recreational use under Illinois Law.

*All conditions of employment listed are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.