Special Ed Classroom Assist (SPED Instruction)

Taleo Social Sourcing•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a certified Special Education teacher who is teaching subject matter or conducting activities, the Special Education Classroom Assistant supports instruction for students with disabilities and performs related duties as required. The role assists students with a range of physical, sensory, learning, behavioral, emotional, and mental impairments in accordance with their Individual Education Programs (IEPs). The position includes instructional support and one-on-one tutoring, help with daily living and personal hygiene, and physical assistance such as lifting and positioning students. The assistant may arrange classroom tools and equipment for students with orthopedic impairments, support feeding and note-taking, maintain basic student records, and accompany students on field trips or to pools and medical clinics. The role may also involve physically restraining violent students, administering CPR as directed, and using audio-visual and photocopying equipment. The position requires a valid Illinois State Board of Education TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license. This may be obtained after completing at least 60 semester hours at an appropriately accredited college or university, or by successfully completing the Work Keys or Parapro assessment. CPR capability is desirable; employees who cannot provide proof of CPR training at initial employment must complete training as a condition of employment. The role requires medium physical work, including occasionally exerting up to 50 pounds of force.

Requirements

Possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education; the license may be obtained after at least 60 semester hours of college credit from a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of the Work Keys or Parapro assessment.
Good knowledge of characteristics of students with various disabilities.
Good knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
Good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities from birth to age 21.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction.
Ability to complete and maintain basic written reports.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Meet the physical demands of medium work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly; reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; and use near visual acuity occasionally and far visual acuity frequently.
If unable to provide evidence of completed CPR training at initial employment, complete CPR training as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment.

Responsibilities

Assist Special Education teachers in supporting students with disabilities in accordance with each student’s IEP.
Lift and position non-ambulatory students as instructed by the teacher and in accordance with written instructions from students’ personal physicians.
Provide one-on-one tutoring to present or reinforce learning concepts.
Provide one-on-one personal hygiene services, including toileting, diaper changing, and cleaning students with severe disabilities.
Arrange and adjust classroom tools, work aids, and equipment for students with orthopedic impairments.
Assist teachers in teaching daily living skills for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics and provide personal assistance they cannot perform themselves.
Assist students who are unable to feed themselves.
Take classroom notes for students who are unable to do so themselves.
Correct homework assignments and examination materials.
Assist teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior.
Accompany students and teachers on class field trips.
Attend and participate in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
May use physical restraint techniques with violent students.
May administer CPR as directed by the teacher.
May operate audio-visual and photocopying equipment.