Paraprofessional Teaching Assistant at The Chicago Lighthouse in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

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.

• 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.

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation


• 12 paid holidays


• 6 sick days accrued over the year, up to 16 days available to be accumulated


• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  
  
  • Medical (65% covered by the Chicago Lighthouse), dental and vision insurance offered


• Short/long term disability


• Life insurance 2x salary


• Employee recognition events


• Company matched 401(k) plan


• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)


• Access to micro-kitchens