School Social Worker/Counselor

    Northwest Special Education Cooperative is seeking a part-time school social worker or counselor for placement in the Stephenson region for the 2026-2027 School Year.

    The successful candidate will provide:

    - individual and small group therapy services as per IEPs

    -provide outreach services to families of students

    -participate on IEP teams for both initial- and re- evaluations for special education eligibility

    -be a liaison for families regarding information/community resources

    -serve as a member of the Response to Intervention Team

    The qualified individual holds a Master's Degree in social work or counseling, with a specialization in school social work or school counseling, as well as the appropriate Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in School Social Work or Counseling. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including mileage reimbursement. We also offer moving expenses, tuition reimbursement, and professional development monies.

    To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three letters of recommendation to: Tracy Dahl, NWSE Director: tracy.dahl@nwseonline.com

    Paraprofessional for Therapeutic Day School

    Northwest Special Education Cooperative has an opening for a Paraprofessional to serve our Therapeutic Day School, Northwest Academy, in Elizabeth, IL

    Qualified candidates will be asked to provide support to students in a Therapeutic Day School Environment. This is a position that will follow staffing patterns; therefore, the qualified applicant will be asked to be flexible with varying job assignments, based on building and classroom needs. Candidate may be asked to provide classroom support, office support, and/or substitute for non-certified staff in the building.

    Due to the characteristics and needs of the students attending Northwest Academy, paraprofessionals must have the ability to:

    • Stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull and move, lift and/or carry up to 25-50 pounds at waist height
    • Assist with personal care of students, include academic and behavioral needs
    • Physically place students in control positions if they are acting in a way that is an imminent danger to themselves or others
    • Work in both indoor and outdoor environments

    Qualifications:

    • High School Diploma
    • Demonstrate experience and training necessary to work effectively with students with special education needs.
    • Illinois Paraprofessional Certification
    • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Certified preferred, but not required

    Northwest Academy offers a competitive salary.

    Please send a cover letter, resume, three letters of recommendation to: Tracy Dahl, Director of Special Education, Northwest Special Education Cooperative, 310 N. West Street, Elizabeth, IL  61028 or tracy.dahl@nwseonline.com