Temporary Special Ed Classroom Assist (SPED Instruction)

Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a certified Special Education teacher, assists in the instruction of disabled students.

Responsibilities

• Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with 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 instruction from students’ personal physicians.
• Provides one-on-one tutoring services 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), obtainable after:
  • Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at an accredited institution, 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 twenty-one (21).
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction.
• Ability to complete and maintain basic written reports.
• Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable; training will be provided if not already completed.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or up to ten (10) pounds of force 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
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Behavioral health & 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
• Vacation Days
• Parental Leaves
• Short-Term Disability
• Religious Holidays

Pay

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

Primary location: Central-42 West Madison Street (Southeast Area School)