Paraprofessional

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more

Information, Please See

https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13782541

Orchard Academy is seeking an energetic and professional

Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults

aged 1721 as they transition from high school into independent

adulthood. This unique hybrid role combines instructional classroom

support with active, community-based mentorship. Rather than operating

inside a traditional classroom all day, you will accompany students

directly into the community to foster job readiness, independent living,

and social-emotional development. You will work collaboratively with our

academic team and full-time social worker to help students satisfy their

Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and build lasting

self-determination. **Pay: \$22/hr.**

Why Join Our Team?

• Dynamic Work Environment: Your classroom is the community, where you
  
  

will guide students through real-world internships, public transit

navigation, grocery shopping, and recreational activities.

• Measurable Community Impact: You directly empower capable young
  
  

adults to master executive functioning skills, secure competitive

employment, and prepare for independent living.

• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a reliable, predictable daytime
  
  

schedule with paid regular school breaks and holidays.

Paraprofessional Responsibilities

Instructional & Life Skills Coaching

• Provide individualized instructional support to reinforce the
  
  

academic curriculum, life skills, and transition topics designed by

the teacher.

• Coach students in practical life skills lessons, including culinary
  
  

arts, food safety, financial budgeting, and personal resource

management.

• Guide students in developing executive functioning and
  
  

social-emotional skills necessary to navigate challenging everyday

environments.

• Assist students with varying physical or behavioral disabilities
  
  

according to their individual needs, promoting personal care,

self-regulation, and hygiene independence.

Job Coaching & Community Mentorship

• Serve as a professional role model while mentoring students during
  
  

non-paid community internships and job readiness training.

• Accompany and actively supervise students during community-based
  
  

outings, service learning projects, and travel training experiences.

• Assist students with college preparation activities, campus
  
  

exploration, and navigating post-secondary aspirations.

Compliance, Administrative, & Team Collaboration

• Work alongside the full-time social worker and academic staff to
  
  

implement and reinforce targeted IEP transition goals.

• Collect accurate student performance data, maintain instructional
  
  

charts, and communicate changes in behavior or general health

directly to the teacher.

• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records and
  
  

family information in compliance with institutional and legal

standards.

• Support the teacher by preparing necessary instructional materials,
  
  

setting up classroom areas, and managing program equipment.

• Participate in staff development training programs, collaborative
  
  

faculty meetings, and special academy events.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Education: Associate\'s degree or higher is preferred; high school
  
  

diploma or equivalent required.

• Certification: Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Certification is
  
  

Preferred Or Required Based On State Guidelines.

• Experience: Two years of experience working in special education or
  
  

supporting neurodiverse learning profiles is highly preferred.

• Licensure: Must possess a valid Driver\'s License.
• Training: Ability to successfully complete and maintain required
  
  

certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Crisis Management.

• Key Skills: trong collaborative communication skills, an active
  
  

mindset, and comfort with daily walking and traveling throughout the

local community.

Paraprofessional Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to finding childcare & applying for financial assistance
  
  

Visit https://orchardvillage.org/positions-available/