ParaProfessional

JOB TITLE: Paraprofessional
             
STATUS: Full Time

ORGANIZATION: Marillac St Vincent Family Services

CUSTOMARY HOURS:   8a-4p (may vary)

HOURS/WEEK 40

DEPARTMENT: Support Service 

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Diverse Learner Manager

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: N/A

Mission

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services strengthens, empowers and gives voice to those in need – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and comprehensive programs to build vibrant communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

1. Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one’s approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
2. A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization’s goals. 
3. Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
4. Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one’s self professionally.
5. Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

Description of Role

The role of the paraprofessional is to work under the supervision Manager of Diverse Learners to directly or indirectly assist and support in the provision of services to students with special needs. The role and assignments of a paraprofessional are not defined by a particular student, but rather by students' needs as determined by the IEP or IFSP. Provide collaborative services in the least restrictive environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists in maintaining a classroom environment favorable to learning and relevant to the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
• Assumes responsibility for learning, adapting, and working through teacher direction regarding each student's special medical, physical, communicative and emotional needs.
• Assists with managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including disruptive or physical behavior as needed.
• Will engage with young children; provides physical comfort & emotional support to children during moments of distress, transition, and learning. Will redirect children when appropriate.
• Attend trainings to enhance job performance and knowledge.
• Aids in communication between parents, families and staff
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday
• Assist in transportation of selected students 

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, Child Development

• A minimum of one year working experience in early childhood development; specializing in Special Education/Special needs children.
• Prior experience with young children and families in early care and education.

MSV IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, marital status, religion, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, personal appearance, family responsibilities, political affiliation, or enrollment in a college, university, technical school, or adult education.