Careers | Human and Behavioral Sciences Programs | SIU

Child welfare social workers practice in family-based services that address the needs of children, youth and families. They may counsel children and youth who have behavioral problems or have difficulty adjusting socially. Social workers also work to protect children and intervene on their behalf when they are abused or neglected. Some of them work in residential institutions for children and adolescents. Still others specialize in adoption services and assist parents in arranging for adoptions.

Social workers investigate reports of neglect or abuse of children and must evaluate family situations with children's best interests in mind. The emphasis in protective services is to link parents with needed support services and resources to create a safe environment for children. Social workers may recommend temporary foster care when a child's safety is at issue. If children are removed temporarily, social workers will work on plans to reunite families as soon as possible. They may also initiate legal action to terminate parental rights and put the child up for adoption.

Employers

• Public Child Welfare Agencies
• Private Child Welfare Agencies
• Legal Services Agencies
• Adoption Agencies
• Foster Care Agencies
• Child Day Care

Social workers are important members of the healthcare teams in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities. They work together with doctors, nurses, administrators, and other professionals to help patients and their families cope with chronic or terminal illnesses. They assess a patient's needs for medical, and/or emotional treatment, as well as rehabilitation. Social workers help facilitate discharge and provision of supportive services for post-hospitalization by providing patients and the family caregivers with information and referral.

In health settings, social workers also provide case management and often help to organize support groups for families and patients suffering from AIDS, cancer, asthma, substance abuse, chronic illnesses of aging, disabilities, and organ transplants.  They develop new programs, lead support and educational groups, manage social work departments, network with community resources, and serve as a resource on managed-care plans.

Social workers are often hired by agencies that provide hospice care. The hospice movement is increasingly popular in this country. The goal of these agencies is to assist the dying to have optimal quality of life during their final months. Social workers employed by hospices provide counseling to these patients and their families, helping them adjust to the inevitable stressors presented by the dying process. The mission of hospice, which is to help patients take charge of their lives and make their own decisions during this critical period, coincides with the social work mission of helping people help themselves.

Employers

• Acute Care and Rehabilitation Hospitals
• Rural Health and Specialty Clinics
• Hospice and Home Health Agencies
• Nursing Homes
• Health Care Organizations (such as the American Lung Association)
• Public Health Departments

Clinical social workers provide more than half of the counseling and therapy services in the United States. As mental health providers they help clients with mental, emotional, alcohol or drug abuse problems through individual and group therapy, outreach and crisis intervention, and, in many cases, serve as agency directors and administrators.

Social workers in mental health settings provide services for persons who are unable to deal with day-to-day stress due to depression, emotional distress, mental disorders, or mental retardation.  They also assist in planning for supportive services and activities within the community.  Entry level positions include case managers, day treatment facilitators, and residential technicians. Advanced-level positions require a Masters in Social Work degree (MSW).

Employers

• Psychiatric Hospitals
• Family Service Agencies
• Residential Treatment Centers
• Sheltered Work Settings
• Community Mental Health Centers
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Schools
• Substance Abuse Treatment Programs

Social work in public welfare entails administration, implementation, monitoring, and program evaluation of the public welfare system.  Social workers provide information on how to apply for public assistance and other benefits, review eligibility requirements, and arrange for services. Social Workers also train and supervise caseworkers who provide direct services.  The main challenge of public welfare agencies is to develop effective programs for self-sufficiency and moving people from public welfare into the workforce and mainstream of society.

Employers

• Public Welfare Agencies
• Private Social Service Agencies

There is a great need for a professional social work practice in our aging society.  Social workers provide services to senior citizens such as counseling, income assistance, transportation, home care assistance, and recreational activities to help them remain active, healthy, and independent as long as possible. 

They run support groups for family caregivers, advise on the availability of services and long-term care, as well as coordinate and monitor services for the elderly.

Employers

• Nursing Homes
• Senior Centers
• Hospitals and Medical Centers
• Hospice Programs
• Senior Housing Facilities
• Mental Health Centers
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Legal Services Agencies

A growing practice field for occupational or corporate social workers is in employee assistance programs (EAPs).  These programs are available with large corporations, businesses, and labor unions, mostly in urban and industrial settings.  EAP social workers counsel workers and executives alike to help them achieve emotional well-being and improve job performance.  They deal with the diverse problems and situations affecting American workers today:  divorce, single parenthood, substance abuse, domestic violence, depression, eating disorders, vocational rehabilitation, stress, takeovers, layoffs, etc.  In this way, social workers help businesses and organizations improve their productivity.

Employers

• Employee Assistance Programs
• Businesses
• Private Consulting Firms
• Corporations
• Labor Unions

School social workers work closely with teachers, administrators, and other professionals to help children with physical or learning disabilities as well as emotional problems.  They provide counseling and referral services for a range of concerns including family problems, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect, and poverty.  They serve as a liaison between family and school and often between school and community. 

School social workers also provide a number of services to students in special education programs. To work in a school as a school social worker in Illinois, an MSW degree and a Professional Educators License (PEL) are required.

Employers

• Schools: Elementary/Secondary
• Head Start Centers
• Special Education Centers
• Counseling Centers

Social workers in criminal justice make recommendations to courts, serve as expert witnesses, do pre-sentencing assessments, and provide services for prison inmates and their families.  They focus on rehabilitation by providing therapy, drug and alcohol addiction treatment, and basic life-skills training. Many social workers become probation officers or parole officers.  They help ex-offenders access supportive services upon release from prison.  Social workers may arrange for a halfway house, job training, employment, remedial classes, counseling, child care, and/or transportation. 

Social workers may also work in victim services programs, courts, and police departments.

Employers

• Prisons
• Courts
• Police Departments
• Victim Assistance Services

There are numerous opportunities for social workers in community development programs and projects that are designed to provide community, professional, and volunteer services.  This is an area of employment that is expanding as greater responsibility for human service programs is assumed by cities, towns, communities, neighborhoods, and local organizations. 

Social workers participate in establishing and operating such services as homeless shelters, youth activities, free lunch programs, parent training and child care, migrant worker services, educational programs, and services for homebound elderly and persons with disabilities.

Employers

• Community Funded Projects
• Religious Organizations
• Neighborhood Organizations
• Americorps
• Vista

International Social Work involves direct services in child welfare, family planning, health and mental health, international adoptions, human rights advocacy, and refugee programs through relief and international aid organizations.  Social workers also assist governments in developing delivery systems and training programs.  They provide technical assistance and are involved in research projects.  International organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Red Cross, the United Nations, and numerous non-government organizations employ social workers.

Employers

• Relief Organizations and Agencies
• International Human Rights Agencies
• Peace Corps
• Non-Government Organizations

Carbondale Public Library
Library Social Worker Job Description
(Full-Time Professional Social Worker)

The Library Social Worker bridges the gap between traditional library services and community social support by providing direct access to professional social work services within the library setting. This position is grounded in the philosophy that access to support should be as open and unrestricted as the access to knowledge that libraries have always provided. Working closely with the Library Director and staff, the Library Social Worker serves as a liaison between library patrons and community agencies, offering immediate assistance while connecting individuals and families to broader support networks.

Within the library, the social worker will meet with patrons, offer support groups, develop programming to address community needs, and create resources to help people navigate life challenges.

Responsibilities

Community Programming & Engagement:

• Creates and facilitates programming that enhances the social functioning of community members, including support groups and educational programs addressing topics such as financial literacy, mental health awareness, substance abuse recovery, and life skills development
• Develops resource guides and book discussions to promote materials that can help with life challenges
• Conducts outreach to marginalized and at-risk populations, connecting them with appropriate resources Direct Services:
• Identifies and engages with individuals who may benefit from social service support through walk-ins, outreach, consultation, or referral by library staff
• Provides short-term crisis intervention and safety planning to help determine needs and options for referrals
• Evaluates individuals' identified needs through brief assessments. Needs may include but are not limited to: housing, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, grief, employment, benefits navigation, and family support
• Provides current and relevant information, support, referrals, and assistance to library patrons
• Assists patrons in accessing community services and completing applications for benefits

Staff Support & Collaboration:

• Provides consultation to library staff regarding social service needs of patrons
• Provides consultation and support to library staff through debriefing during and/or after challenging patron interactions
• Serves as a resource and model to library staff to work effectively with patrons experiencing life challenges, using trauma-informed care principles
• Trains library staff on de-escalation techniques and recognizing signs of distress

Community Partnerships:

• Connects and builds collaborative relationships with community organizations, healthcare providers, housing agencies, employment services, and other social service providers
• Maintains knowledge of local, state, and federal resources and eligibility requirements
• Participates in community meetings and coalitions as appropriate Administrative Duties:
• Maintains accurate documentation of services provided while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with professional ethical standards
• Assists with program evaluation and reporting as needed
• Supervises MSW social work interns as assigned (requires MSW plus 2 years post-graduate experience and meeting field instruction qualifications) Other reasonable duties as assigned

Requirements

Required:

• Master's Degree in Social Work from CSWE-accredited program
• Valid Illinois social work license (LCSW or LMSW) preferred
• At least one year of relevant professional social work experience
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations
• Strong verbal and written communication skills Preferred:
• Experience working in libraries, community centers, or community-based social work initiatives
• Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance abuse issues
• Experience with group facilitation and community programming Essential Skills:
• Demonstrated passion for working to improve the lives of people across the community
• Deep understanding of principles of social equity and cultural competency
• Time management skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of current technology and ability to adapt to new systems
• Ability to plan and present programs for diverse audiences
• Ability to work with the public and staff members respectfully and professionally
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Physical ability to perform all necessary tasks assigned to the position
• Ability to work in a public library environment with an open workspace that can be noisy and occasionally stressful
• Ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong professional judgment and problem-solving skills
• Adherence to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics

Working Conditions: This position requires flexibility to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate patron needs and community programming. The role involves working in a public library setting with diverse patrons experiencing various life challenges.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position at 37.5 hours per week. Starting salary range is $38,000 - $44,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. 

To Apply: Please email your cover letter and resume to Library Director Jennifer Robertson at jrobertson@carbondalelibrary.org

School Social Worker - Location TBD

• Position Type:
  Related Services/School Social Worker
• Date Posted:
  6/11/2025 
• Location:
  Tri-County Administrative Offices
• 25-26 School Year

QUALIFICATONS:

1. Masters Degree in School Social Work from accredited school of social work
2. Illinois Type 73 Certificate with school social work endorsement OR
3. Master's Level Social Worker - Path to School Social Work Certification

We are seeking dedicated Master's-level Social Workers who are interested in pursuing a career in school social work. 

This role offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience while we assist you in completing the requirements for your school social credential through ISBE. 

REPORTS TO: As assigned to appropriate Building Supervisor/Principal or Technical Assistant3.

JOB GOALS: 

The school social worker will primarily serve students enrolled in the school district and/or program with school districts within the Tri-County Cooperative. All students (Special Education, Title I, At-Risk, Early Childhood, etc.) are eligible for school social work services. The focus of the services will be to assist the child, parent(s), teachers, and administrators with problem areas which may interfere with the child’s performance and/or adjustment in school. Services include, but are not limited to, liaison work between home, school, and community services, consultation with teachers and other school personnel, individual/group counseling with identified students with emotional/behavioral needs, 
participation in child study teams, completion of evaluations/assessments and social developmental studies, participation in pre-referral, referral, and the IEP processes, development and administration of needs assessments, and timely completion of required time studies and billing.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

The contract will normally be written for 180 days per fiscal year. Actual work hours will be discussed with the supervisor, but will be a minimum of 6 hours and 45 minutes each work day.

There will be occasions when the workday may be longer to accommodate the needs of students and parents for a staffing or review of student related concerns. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:  

1. Provide individual, group, and family counseling to students in order to assist with
   social/emotional concerns which interfere with school performance. 
2. Provide life skills training through group or individual programming in order to assist students with acquiring skills needed to be successful in life.
3. Act as a communication link/liaison between school and home to promote understanding and cooperation.
4. Provide counseling and intervention services to students’ families.
5. Act as a liaison and referral agent for students to other community agencies.
6. Provide crisis intervention for students as needed.
7. Consult with teachers and other school personnel to help them understand and work with students with needs.
8. Act as a resource to school personnel as a member of the school’s Child Study Team to develop strategies and interventions for students who have academic and/or behavioral concerns.
9. Participates in pre-referral and IEP meetings in order to have input on students’ programming needs.
10. Gather data and information through Social Developmental Studies and additional assessments in order to better understand the student and programming needs.
11. Develop and administer need assessment(s) in order to identify areas of need.
12. Provide in-service training to staff regarding relative social/emotional topics and other special education issues.
13. Completion of mandated paperwork (i.e. Time studies, Medicaid, etc.) prior to set deadlines.
14. Other duties as assigned by technical assistance supervisor and district administration.

OTHER  RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Integration of Technology into Instruction
2. Demonstrates continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
3. Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by available software and technology.
4. Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning in the curriculum of one’s subject area(s) and/or grade level(s).
5. Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
6. Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practices including word processing, database, spreadsheet, telecommunications and print/graphic utilities, class attendance (Lighthouse), Individual Education Plan (IEP) programs.

Compensation and benefits are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

APPLY  HERE