Teaching Assistant

Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 30 miles south of Kankakee and 45 miles north of Champaign-Urbana, just a few miles off of I-57 on a historic site in Onarga, IL. Nexus Onarga provides boys ages 10 to 20 years old a structured, homelike environment where they can safely address a variety of unhealthy behaviors, mental health issues, and childhood trauma. Youth attend the onsite private, therapeutic Grand Prairie School, which offers special education with small classes for grades 5th-12th.

About the role

The Teaching Assistant supports faculty in student learning and helps supervise students in both educational and residential settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide educational assistance to clients within a classroom setting.
• Provide one-on-one instructional support based on lesson plans.
• Communicate with students professionally and compassionately.
• Help maintain a safe, supportive learning environment.
• Deliver lessons and assist with assignments in the teacher’s absence.
• Prepare classroom materials and handouts.
• Assist with attendance and progress records.
• Supervise study halls and classrooms as needed.
• Collaborate with teachers to support classroom goals.
• Request classroom supplies as needed.
• Support student treatment plans and IEPs.
• Monitor student behavior, redirect as needed, and assist with restraints when necessary.
• Support student transport to and from residential units.
• Promote respect for diversity across all identities and backgrounds.
• Serve as a compassionate, respectful, and professional role model.
• Continuously build knowledge in child and adolescent development to support positive youth growth.
• Ensure safety compliance across classrooms, school grounds, residential areas, and off-campus activities.
• Administer First Aid/CPR and follow emergency protocols.
• Maintain professional boundaries with student residents.
• Uphold privacy and confidentiality per Nexus policies.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required by Nexus.
• Understand and support the Nexus philosophy and treatment modalities.

Requirements

• Minimum 21 years of age.
• High School diploma or GED is required.
• Valid driver’s license required; must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements.
• Must have an ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement (ELS PARA) or obtain upon hire prior to start date.
• Must successfully pass a DCFS criminal background check.
• Must successfully participate and complete a TCI exam and training.
• Ability to build strong relationships with diverse individuals or communities and understand their unique needs and challenges.
• Open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values.
• Must be able to assist staff in physical and non-physical interventions with residents.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 100+ pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods of time (2–4 hours).
• Must be able to twist, bend, and stretch in a manner conducive to the execution of daily activities within a school.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous classroom support experience.

Pay

$17–$18 per hour based on prior years of experience as a Paraprofessional.

Schedule

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–3:30 PM with a year-round school schedule.

Location

110 N Locust St, Onarga, IL

Values

• Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches.
• Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy, care, and concern.
• Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly.
• Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate.
• Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards.