Description: Special Ed Paraprofessional 2024-25 School Year (Approximately January 7, 2025 - May 12, 2025)
Qualifications: The candidate should have a current Illinois certificate registered in Lake County.
Application Procedure: Apply Online
GENERAL INFORMATION
TITLE ……………………………………….Paraprofessional
REPORTS TO ……………………………….Special Education Coordinator
EVALUATION ………………………………Evaluation Completed by Special Education Coordinator
POSITION SUMMARY:
The job of a Paraprofessional was established for the purpose(s) of assisting certified professional staff with meeting the instructional, educational, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of students in all educational environments.
QUALIFICATION - EXPERIENCE - KNOWLEDGE:
High School diploma is required
Holds a current Para Educator License
Possesses a general knowledge of academic content areas
Proficient in basic technology skills
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality when dealing with student and staff information for the purpose of ensuring compliance with district, state, and federal regulations
Assists special education students in a variety of activities (e.g. one-on-one or small group instruction, adapting materials to suit students' needs under the direction of a certified staff member, reading tests, escorting, computer skills, organization, homework, testing accommodations, review of learning concepts, implementing teacher-designed interventions, curriculum modifications, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring appropriate support and academic success.
Maintains skills relevant to current technology within the district for the purpose of effectively utilizing available resources and tools.
Follows directions given by supervising certified staff members to support and assist in providing instructional and other services to students and their families.
Assists classroom teachers with daily classroom preparations and management (e.g. making copies, gathering materials, creating study guides, modifying activities/assessments, supervising students during school activities in and outside of the building, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring smooth operation of classroom activities.
Assists Special Education Staff with special projects for the purpose of supporting department initiatives and student success.
Completes Medicaid billing for students who receive support during a class period for the purpose of ensuring accurate and timely billing processes.
Assists classroom teachers with monitoring and tracking data on student progress and behavior for the purpose of documenting and supporting student development.
Assists in supporting the behavior of students with special needs by implementing behavior management strategies outlined in their IEPs or behavior intervention plans as directed by a student’s case manager and/or educational team.
Monitor students with special needs during classroom activities, transitions between activities, bus drop-offs, and during lunch or other non-instructional periods to ensure their safety and well-being.
Addresses individual student needs and ensures that appropriate supports and services are provided to special education students as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the purpose of meeting each student's educational requirements.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
Supports and serves as a backup to other Paraprofessionals to provide assistance and coverage with their functions and responsibilities as needed. (Arranges for coverage of assigned responsibilities when a personal or colleague absence is reported for the purpose of ensuring continuity of service.)
Participates in meetings and trainings for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the school district
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Ability to demonstrate regular attendance and punctuality
Ability to perform several tasks concurrently under varying deadlines and adapt to changing work priorities
Ability to define problems, collaborate with others on solutions, and implement decision-making using reasoning skills
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all situations and must be able to withhold confidential information
Ability to exercise tact, good judgment, and initiative in dealing with students, faculty, and the public
Ability to communicate with diverse groups
Ability to work well with all levels of internal management, staff, and students, as well as community members
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Ability to set work priorities and work efficiently under minimum supervision
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Employees in this position must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time; enter data into a computer; use a telephone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels; speak so that others may understand at normal levels.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands; some lifting, carrying, and pushing and/or pulling. Generally, the job requires 40% sitting, 10% walking, and 50% standing.
There will be an annual performance evaluation for this position.
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
Community High School District 117 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy and practice of District 117 to decide all matters relating to employment solely on the basis of the applicant’s ability to perform the essential functions of the position. District 117 ensures equal employment opportunities regardless of race, creed, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, or handicap. The District has a policy of active recruitment of qualified minority teachers and non-certificated employees. Any individual needing assistance in making an application for this position should contact the office of the superintendent.