Chicago Public Schools is hiring a Special Education Classroom Assistant. Under the general direction of the school principal and immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher, you will assist in the instruction of students with disabilities, providing instructional support, personal care, and physical assistance in alignment with Individual Education Programs (IEPs).
What You'll Do
- Assist Special Education teachers in reinforcing instruction for students with various disabilities, following each student's IEP.
- Lift and position non-ambulatory students as directed by the teacher and physician instructions.
- Provide one-on-one tutoring to present or reinforce learning concepts.
- Provide personal hygiene services, including toileting, changing diapers, and cleaning soiled children.
- Assist students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment like worktables, wheelchairs, and communication devices.
- Support instruction in daily living skills for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
- Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist with personal services.
- Assist in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
- Take notes in classrooms for students unable to do so.
- Correct homework assignments and examination materials.
- Assist teachers in maintaining written records of student behavior.
- Accompany students and teachers on class field trips.
- Attend and participate in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
What We're Looking For
- A valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
- License requires completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit 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 and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age.
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction.
- Ability to complete and maintain basic written reports.
- Physical ability for Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, up to twenty (20) pounds frequently, and up to ten (10) pounds constantly to move objects.
- Physical demands include reaching, handling, fingering, talking, hearing, and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Nice to Have
- Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable.
- Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Technical Stack
- Photocopying equipment
- Audio-visual equipment
- Computers
- Communication devices
- Tape recorders
Team & Environment
You will work under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher.
Benefits & Compensation
- Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Behavioral Health & Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Employee Wellness Program
- Basic Life Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
- Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays and Leaves
Work Mode
This role is fully onsite at Chicago Public Schools locations.
Chicago Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer.
