Capacity to support students across varied environments, including classroom, regulation spaces, community, and vocational settings
Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required for student and staff safety
Ability to collect data and follow individualized plans with consistency and accuracy
Qualifications
Valid Illinois Paraprofessional License or Substitute Teacher License
Ability to pass a background check and provide a physician's statement of ability to complete the essential functions and responsibilities of the job
Experience working with students with cognitive, social-emotional, behavioral, or developmental support needs preferred
Appropriate certification for School Bus Permit required or ability to obtain within the first six months of employment / or within 6 months of age eligibility
Ability to maintain a high level of work attendance
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The following statements describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned that are reasonably related to the position.
Instructional Support
Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and organizing classroom activities
Conduct individual and small-group instruction under teacher direction
Support students in academic, vocational, community, and recreational activities
Operate classroom and office equipment to support learning
Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support
Implement behavior plans and use trauma-informed, therapeutic strategies under teacher and clinician direction
Provide guidance and support to students experiencing social-emotional or behavioral challenges
Assist in crisis intervention, including safe physical restraint when required
Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times
IEP & Data Support
Support implementation of IEP goals across environments
Collect and record data on student performance and behavior
Participate in team meetings, staffings, and parent conferences as requested
Communicate observations to teacher and therapeutic team to support planning and intervention
Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities
Work collaboratively with teachers, clinicians, related service providers, administrators, and families
Participate in orientation, in-service programs, and professional learning opportunities
Provide feedback to the teacher regarding student progress and needs
Perform additional duties as assigned to support classroom and school functioning
Community & Vocational Support
Participate in community-based instruction and vocational activities
Ensure safety and supervision during all off-campus activities
Transport students by van or bus as directed (Type B license required)
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Ability to lift and assist students, including lifting over 50 pounds when required
Ability to bend, kneel, reach, and move frequently throughout the day
Must complete Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training and employ these skills as necessary
Ability to safely assist in physical restraint when required by student behavior plans
Ability to accompany students to regulation spaces and community and vocational sites
Work occurs in classrooms, regulation spaces hallways, community settings, and vocational environments
Requires flexibility, problem-solving, and responsiveness to changing student and team needs
Regular exposure to students with significant social-emotional and behavioral support needs
