Temporary Special Ed Classroom Assist (Cluster)

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 and performs related duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Assists Special Education teachers in reinforcing efforts with children who have various disabilities—including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments—in accordance with each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instructions from students’ personal physicians.
• Provides one-on-one tutoring to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age.
• Assists 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).
• Assists teachers in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
• Accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services students are unable to perform themselves.
• Assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
• Takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves.
• Corrects homework assignments and examination materials.
• Assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior.
• Accompanies students and teachers on class field trips.
• Attends and participates 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), which may be obtained after completing at least 60 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution or by passing a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).
• Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, English grammar and 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.
• Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) 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 up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional near visual acuity; and frequent far visual acuity.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness:
  • Comprehensive medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision plans.
  • 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, and vacation days.
  • Parental leave.
  • Short-term disability.
  • Religious holidays.

Pay

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

Primary location: North/Northwest Side – 6445 West Strong Street (Daniel Carter Beard Elementary).