Special Ed Classroom Assist (SPED Instruction)

About the Role

Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a certified Special Education teacher, this position 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 disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments.
• Lift and position non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instructions from students’ personal physicians.
• 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, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, mechanized page turners).
• Assist teachers in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
• Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services students are unable to perform themselves.
• 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 utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students.
• 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 college or university, 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, ages birth to 21.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and complete basic written reports.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
• Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable; training will be provided if not already completed.

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

• Competitive paid time off policies, including:
  • Paid leave.
  • Sick leave.
  • Vacation days.
  • Parental leave.
  • Short-term disability.
  • Religious holidays.

Pay

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

Schedule

Primary location: Southwest Side – 3434 West 77th Street (Lionel Hampton Fine & Performing Arts School).