Anticipated SY 26 - 27 Special Ed Classroom Assistant

About the Role

Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a certified Special Education teacher, this role assists in the instruction of disabled students in elementary and high schools. Duties are performed in accordance with each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).

Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education teachers in reinforcing learning for students with various disabilities, including physical, visual, hearing, learning, behavioral, emotional, and mental impairments.
• Lift and position non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written physician instructions.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Provide one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age.
• Assist students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment (e.g., specially equipped worktables, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, mechanized page turners).
• Help instruct students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
• Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist with personal services they cannot perform themselves, including removing clothing.
• Assist in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
• Take notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves.
• Correct homework assignments and examination materials.
• Assist teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior.
• Accompany students and teachers on class field trips.
• Attend and participate in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
• May physically restrain violent students using aggressive management techniques as needed.
• May administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher.
• May operate audio-visual and photocopying equipment.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), obtainable after:
  • Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution, or
  • Successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).
• Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities.
• Good knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and basic mathematics.
• Ability to work with students with disabilities from birth to 21 years of age.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and complete basic written reports.
• CPR certification is highly desirable; training will be provided if not already certified.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Physical demands include:

• Ability to reach, handle, and finger objects.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive health coverage options for employees and eligible dependents, including:
  • Medical plan options
  • Pharmacy benefits
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Behavioral health and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security

• Basic life insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Pension plans
• Supplemental retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance

• Paid leave
• Sick leave
• Vacation days
• Parental leave
• Short-term disability
• Religious holidays

Pay

Salary range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36