Paraprofessional Teaching Assistant

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: Under the immediate supervision of the classroom teacher, assist in providing academic and independent living skills’ instruction, developmental activities, and daily care to children with multiple, moderate to profound disabilities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follow guidelines, goals and activities established for each student by teacher.
• Administer goals and supports for individual students, under the guidance of the Special Education Teacher, per their IEPs.
• Collect and maintain effective goal-based and behavioral data throughout the school day
• Assist with physical and socialization needs of students.
• Assist students in activities of daily living – i.e. toileting, feeding, personal hygiene, dressing, diapering, etc.
• Assist in general orientation and mobility and exercises under the direction of appropriate staff (Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Orientation & Mobility Instructor).
• Participate with students on field trips and swimming activities, observing and guarding against accidents.
• Observe and assist in completing weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports regarding students’ behavior and development
• Participate in staff meetings and assist in interpreting the program to parents and guests.
• Attend curriculum and in-service meetings.
• Exhibit constant concern for students’ well-being and safety at all times while on school and agency premises.
• Assist in keeping classrooms clean and orderly.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• ISBE Approved Para-professional Certificate
• Special Education-based experience preferred
• Experience in the educational setting preferred
• Ability to assist with lifting and transferring students with physical disabilities; must be able to push wheelchairs as required.
• Commitment to our mission of providing opportunities for people who are blind, visually impaired, dead-blind, or multi-disabled is essential.

Employee Benefits

• 1 hour vacation time per 35 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year
• 1 hour sick time per 35 hours worked, up to 48 hours per year
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• The Chicago Lighthouse Children's Development Center is a year-round therapeutic day school where team members receive paid respite throughout the year, including one week in the fall, spring, summer, and August before the new school year, plus a two-week winter respite.

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.