School social Worker-Tri County Connections Academy

School Social Worker – Tri County Connections Academy 

The School & Our Approach

TriCounty Connections Academy is a therapeutic day school for students with complex social-emotional and behavioral needs. Our model is clinical and educational, grounded in trauma-informed care and restorative practices. We are committed to treating the whole child by connecting school, family, and community systems.

Key Qualities We Seek

We seek a School Social Worker who is:

Systemically-minded and Relational: Prioritizes strong relationships and understands that student well-being is inseparable from family and community.

Trauma-informed and a Deep Listener: Approaches intervention with "What happened to them?" and is focused on system communication, not deficits.

Committed to Mental Health and Resource Navigation: Provides direct, evidence-based mental health support and connects families to essential community resources.

Calm and Consistent in Crisis: Maintains a regulated presence during de-escalation and safety planning.

An Expert Connector: Excels at bridging home, school, and community systems for a cohesive wrap-around service plan.

Core Responsibilities

Clinical Intervention: Provide evidence-based individual, group, and family counseling focused on emotional regulation and coping skills. Conduct social-emotional and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and participate in crisis response and safety planning.

Systemic Consultation & Liaison: Serve as the primary liaison between the school, families, and community agencies. Lead reflective case consultations for staff and facilitate professional development in areas like trauma-informed care and restorative practices.

Collaboration: Work interdependently with all team members, lead with humility, and communicate proactively with families, honoring their expertise.

Practice: Approach all assessment and intervention through a trauma-informed lens. Implement restorative practices to prioritize repair and accountability over exclusionary discipline.

Required Qualifications

Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with School Social Worker endorsement.

Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, restorative, and relationship-based practices.

Expertise in family systems theory, community resource navigation, and the development of Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

Willingness and physical ability to participate in a district-provided crisis management training program; team lift 100 lbs and push/pull 75lbs 

Why This Role Matters

You will be the vital link to transform a student's trajectory through social work support, family advocacy, and systemic change. This is profoundly meaningful work focused on deep understanding and unwavering belief in the human capacity to heal.