Paraprofessional
About The Position
Easterseals Academy is a therapeutic school serving children with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disability, developmental delay, or intellectual disability. The Paraprofessional supports students in an alternative school placement designed to help them achieve independence. This role is based at the Tinley Park campus and may involve frequent changes in student and/or classroom assignments. Reporting to the supervising teacher or designated school administrator, the Paraprofessional helps ensure each student’s health, safety, and well-being by actively supporting all aspects of student plans and individual programming. The position includes an additional earning opportunity through work during the Extended School Year (ESY).
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- State-approved Paraprofessional License.
- Ability to perform the functions necessary to obtain and maintain certification in agency-required crisis prevention and intervention training and CPR.
- Ability to multitask in a high-stress environment while maintaining professional behavior.
- Ability to communicate professionally and demonstrate respect for all staff members.
- Ability to communicate with students with warmth and respect.
- Ability to interact with diverse personalities.
- Adherence to Easterseals policies.
- Unless exempted by the ADA, ability to perform physical tasks necessary to treat clients, including bending and sitting on the floor, and ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
Responsibilities
- Follow assigned students’ IEP activities, materials, and prompting hierarchies across all settings throughout the school day, and participate fully in the classroom schedule.
- Prioritize and complete tasks with maximum follow-through.
- Implement students’ IEPs, including Behavior Intervention Plans and communication systems such as AAC and PECS.
- Collect daily data for assigned students concerning behavior plans, communication systems, and other needs identified by the student’s team.
- Adhere to Active Supervision in all settings.
- Use approved crisis prevention techniques.
- Implement Teacher, Clinical, and Administrative recommendations.
- Communicate with students’ families or guardians as directed by the classroom teacher.
- Maintain student confidentiality, privacy, and dignity.
- Participate in ongoing in-house, team, and other assigned training.
- Adhere to mandated reporter and OIG guidelines.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for select plans for employees and eligible dependents.
- Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D coverage.
- Long-term disability insurance at no cost.
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work-life balance support.
- Up to $40,000 in eligible education reimbursement.
- Automatic 3% non-elective 401(k) contribution.
- Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match up to 3%, for up to 6% total employer contribution.
- 13 paid holidays.
- Flexible PTO policy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
