School Social Worker

Who We Are

Lawrence Hall is a Chicago-based nonprofit social services agency that provides therapeutic, wellness, and skill development services to youth, families, and communities impacted by trauma. Lawrence Hall is committed to helping young people build resilience, strengthen connections, and achieve long-term success through trauma-informed, community-based support.

Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon the principles of the Children and Residential Experiences (CARE) model and the core values of Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. Together, these principles are embedded throughout our trauma-informed philosophy and guide how we serve youth and families, support one another as colleagues, and partner with our community.

About the Role

The School Social Worker provides direct social work services to students and families within Lawrence Hall's Education Department, helping support students' academic, emotional, behavioral, and social success. This role delivers trauma-informed interventions, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and plays a key role in educational planning and crisis response. Ideal candidates are compassionate, relationship-focused professionals who thrive in collaborative, student-centered environments.

What You'll Do

• Provide individual, group, and family social work services to support students' academic, emotional, behavioral, and social development.
• Conduct student intakes, assessments, crisis interventions, and psychiatric hospitalization evaluations when appropriate.
• Develop, implement, and monitor treatment plans and therapeutic interventions tailored to student needs.
• Support special education services by developing and reviewing IEP goals, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), social-emotional goals, and transition plans.
• Collaborate with students, families, educators, community providers, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate services and support positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records in compliance with agency, educational, and regulatory requirements.

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Master's Degree in Social Work.
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or ability to obtain licensure within six months of hire.
• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL/Type 73), unless licensed as an LCSW.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification.
• Strong verbal, written, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to effectively engage students, families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.

Preferred

• Experience providing social work services in educational, behavioral health, special education, or residential treatment settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, childhood trauma, and adolescent development.
• Experience supporting special education programming and IEP development.

Position Requirements & Work Environment

• Work Location: 4833 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
• Travel/Driving: No driving requirements associated with this position.
• Schedule: Full-time position with flexibility to meet program and student needs.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to kneel and return to a standing position without assistance while implementing TCI intervention techniques. Must be able to use verbal and physical interventions when necessary with youth ages 6-21.
• Work Environment: School-based setting serving students with behavioral, emotional, and educational needs. Exposure to behavioral crises and emotionally demanding situations may occur.
• Other Position Requirements: Must successfully complete and maintain TCI certification, including recertification every six months, and participate in ongoing training and professional development.

Compensation and Benefits

We care about the well-being of our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that includes:

• Salary: $52,000 - $57,000 annually. Compensation is based on a set salary range, with additional consideration provided for relevant education and experience.
• Average of 17-25 days PTO plus 9 holidays
• Medical insurance (HMO and PPO options)
• Dental insurance (HMO and PPO options)
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with up to 5% employer match and auto-vesting
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Employer-paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Wellness Reimbursement Program
• Employee Referral Bonus up to $1,500
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for licensed employees
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

How to Apply

Submit your resume here. We look forward to learning more about you!

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Exempt employment status.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Following job offer acceptance, all new hires are required to complete a background check through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Individuals who have lived outside of Illinois may also be subject to out-of-state checks, which can take up to eight weeks to process. While these checks are pending, candidates should continue completing all other pre-boarding requirements. Employment may begin once all pre-boarding steps are complete and DCFS clearance has been received.