Emotional Wellness Teaching Assistant

Summary of Position

The Emotional Wellness Aide assists the Emotional Wellness Coordinator in meeting the needs of students who struggle with concerns related to emotional regulation. The primary focus is to assist and enhance the educational process for students with social-emotional needs in both instructional and non-instructional activities.

Licensure

• The State of Illinois requires Special Education Teaching Assistants to have one of the following:
• A current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• A current Illinois Substitute Teaching License
• An Illinois Educator License with Stipulations Endorsed-Paraprofessional Educator
• If you do not already hold a Teaching/Substitute License:
• A minimum of an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
• 60 semester hours of coursework from a regionally accredited institution
• A high school diploma, or equivalent + 480 or higher on the ETS Parapro test
• A high school diploma, or equivalent + 4 or higher on the ACT

Job Requirements

• Have the ability to work effectively with children
• Have the ability to function within the framework of the school environment
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Working knowledge of:
• Child guidance principles and practices
• Behavior management and positive reinforcement
• Classroom procedures and appropriate conduct
• Basic record keeping methods

Typical Duties

• Assist with a variety of activities related to a student's program of instruction, including homework completion, organizational skills and communication with classroom teachers
• Aid students in accessing school supports and resources, both academic and social-emotional
• Work with students individually or in small groups in academic studies, general emotional regulation skills and other assigned instruction
• Implement hospital transition plans and procedures designed for individual students when necessary
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students
• Maintain positive relationships with all students, school staff and parents
• Participate in data tracking activities, including monitoring service utilization and student progress towards individual goals
• Maintain a safe, supportive environment for students

Physical Ability

• Sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
• Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 100 lbs., such as lifting a child from the floor
• Push/pull items up to 100 lbs., such as children in wheelchairs

Work Environment Hazards

• Potential exposure to communicable disease and contact with blood and other body fluids
• Potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior