IPI Paraprofessional

About the role

The IPT Paraprofessional implements clinical programs with clients. This role may participate in Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) department functions by supporting program implementation. This is a part-time position that is expected to work 2 - 6 hours per week during the after school hours.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with clients and families carrying out programs developed by speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and psychologists.
• Provide services in the clinic, family home, and community.
• Involve family members and others in training sessions with the child as directed by intervention plan.
• Receive didactic and on-the-job training related to general evidence-based intervention strategies, as well as those related specifically to clients on their caseload.
• Participate in team meetings when indicated.
• Complete progress notes on a weekly basis and other documentation as assigned.
• Provide recommendations to ongoing treatment goal development and input on assessment of goal attainment to the lead therapist.
• Report within program time guidelines, any unusual occurrences or concerns regarding the child or family to program Director or Clinical Supervisor.
• Direct parents to therapists or Director regarding any questions about changing treatment goals, concerns about progress, or other concerns, unless directed to respond to such questions.
• When in the family home, respects family rules related to the child and paraprofessional as a visitor in the home.
• When interacting with parents, respects their role and knowledge as a collaborator regarding their child’s success.
• Provides resources and education to community stakeholders, if assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Perform record keeping functions and other administrative duties as required by the Agency.
• Complete clinical development tasks as assigned by supervisor.
• If assigned, support program scheduling and program development.
• If assigned, support cross‑agency programming.

Qualifications

• Prioritizes, plans, and manages work activities and competing demands in a strategic and thoughtful manner.
• Speaks and writes clearly and informatively with a diverse range of stakeholders in varying mediums.
• Accepts recommendations for change and implements new programs in a positive, professional manner.
• Expresses interest and enthusiasm for teaching and learning.
• Demonstrates empathy, fairness, consistency and teamwork.
• Serves as a positive role model for colleagues.
• Demonstrates flexibility, cooperation and sound judgement.
• Demonstrates willingness to listen effectively and accept constructive feedback.
• Demonstrates service and improvement orientations.
• Demonstrates JCFS Chicago core values in their work: community, empowerment, respect and integrity.
• Strives for personal growth, demonstrating the ability to learn from past situations and apply knowledge to future situations.
• Demonstrates courageous authenticity.
• Decision Making: General Direction: Makes independent work decisions after lead therapist and/or manager provides overview of end result. Has discretion in determining how the work gets done. Develops complex solutions to problems. Obtains approval for deviation in procedure.
• Key Interactions: Clients, Employees, Government Agencies, Education Institutions, Caregivers, Families, Community Partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in related child development field with at least 6 months of experience working with children with intellectual or developmental disabilities OR two years of college in a related field and 3 years of experience working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Possesses valid Illinois driver’s license, a safe driving record, and regular access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• Ability to travel throughout Chicagoland area, including north and northwest suburbs.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Benefits

• Paid time off: varies by position – includes vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.
• Benefit eligibility begins when working full time – includes medical, dental, and