Special Education Paraprofessional (2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of building administration, the Student Services Coordinator, and the assigned classroom teacher, the Special Education Paraprofessional assists with instruction for individual students and small groups in classroom or instructional settings. The position supports students’ educational needs through instructional, physical-management, and medical-support activities, with duties that may shift according to student needs. The role is full-time for nine months, is non-exempt, and is part of a bargaining unit. Salary and benefits are governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement; the posting notes a maximum of five years of full-time experience for salary purposes. The paraprofessional supports classroom instruction and supervision, reinforces skills introduced by the teacher, prepares instructional materials, documents student observations when directed, and assists with daily classroom activities. Depending on assignment, duties may include supporting students with medical needs, monitoring behavior, or helping special education students participate in general education classrooms in accordance with their IEPs. The position works with small groups or one student at a time under certified-teacher supervision. The role requires effective communication, collaboration, confidentiality, sound judgment, and the ability to follow instructions and established policies. Duties are performed primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors, with in-district and out-of-town travel as needed for training or job responsibilities. The work involves frequent interruptions and inflexible deadlines, in a quiet-to-moderate noise environment. Physical demands include regular standing, walking, sitting, talking, and hearing; frequent reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and occasional lifting or moving of up to 20 pounds.

Requirements

Valid Illinois Professional Educator License with Self-Contained General Education Endorsement, or Educator License with Stipulations (PARA).
Degree or a minimum of 60 semester hours of college credit.
Demonstrated concern for children’s well-being.
Willingness to accept instruction.
Strong oral, written, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work harmoniously with others and communicate with the public and district personnel using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, make decisions, and solve problems in accordance with established policies and regulations.
Ability to maintain the privacy of sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and interpret instructions and information presented in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Knowledge of basic child guidance principles and practices and safe practices in a school environment.
Ability to establish effective working relationships, contribute to teamwork, and promote a harassment-free environment.
Ability to learn and use office equipment, computers, and software, including as systems are upgraded; excellent computer and keyboarding skills.
Strong composition, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and language skills.
Ability to react well under pressure, balance multiple demands, handle frequent interruptions, and perform professionally.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with relevant district, Board, state, and federal laws, policies, procedures, and requirements.
Ability to work independently with minimum supervision and demonstrate initiative.
Ability to perform basic mathematics using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

Responsibilities

Prepare for classroom and other assigned activities under the direction of the teacher and/or principal.
Assist the classroom teacher with instruction and supervision of students during classroom activities.
Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce skills introduced by the classroom teacher.
Assist the teacher in devising and implementing data-informed strategies for reinforcing skills.
Maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved student documentation when directed by the classroom teacher.
Assist with critical daily activities and perform general clerical tasks, including preparing instructional materials, scoring student work, and preparing materials for classroom use.
Follow certified staff lesson plans, clarify directions and procedures, use appropriate instructional strategies, engage students, and provide timely, specific feedback.
Support assessment of student progress by observing students and recording data; provide the teacher with feedback about students’ skills, knowledge, and instructional outcomes.
Assist students with medical needs as assigned, which may include toileting or diapering, feeding including G-tube feeding, catheterization, lifting and positioning, and managing medical equipment such as braces.
Monitor student behavior under the supervising teacher’s direction, chart behavior data, follow Behavior Management Plans, and keep the teacher informed of behavior.
Assist general education teachers in modifying instruction according to IEPs and support special education students in general education classes, including through small-group or individual support, preparation of materials, assessment assistance, and implementation of Behavior Management Plans.
Operate office equipment such as copy machines, computers, and printers.
Attend building meetings and in-service training and maintain a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, families, district personnel, and the public while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct.
Perform other duties as assigned.