Special Education Paraprofessional

Special Education Paraprofessional

Qualifications & Requirements:

High school diploma or equivalent required; some college coursework preferred. Illinois Paraprofessional License (or proof of application). Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the public. Proficient in written and spoken English for communication and instructional support. Patience and strong interpersonal skills to work with diverse student needs. Ability to assist in the implementation of instructional programs, behavior plans, and data collection.

Basic understanding of assistive technology, instructional accommodations, and modifications. CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and CPR training preferred.

Position Overview:

The Special Education Paraprofessional plays a critical role in supporting students with diverse learning needs in both general education and special education settings under the direction of certified staff. Special Education Paraprofessionals assist students in achieving academic, functional, and behavioral success through reinforcement of instructional strategies, classroom support, and general supervision. While physical management is not a required responsibility of this role, Special Education Paraprofessionals must be comfortable working with students who may have emotional and behavioral challenges and must be able to implement de-escalation strategies as part of a team approach.

Additionally, being a Special Education Paraprofessional does not preclude an individual from being part of the school's crisis response team; those who choose to join the crisis team may utilize CPI strategies and physical management techniques as needed, though this is not required or compensated separately. Special Education Paraprofessionals may assist with adaptive skills (such as mobility support, toileting, feeding, and medical needs) for students who are not in the BEST or STRIVE programs.

Additionally, Special Education Paraprofessionals, particularly in the early childhood (ELC) and early elementary settings, may often be required and expected to assist with bath rooming and personal hygiene skills as part of students' developmental learning and self-care routines. Special Education Paraprofessionals placed at the high school level and Barrington Transition Program (BTP) can also serve as job coaches, supporting students in learning, developing, and maintaining job-related skills for workplace readiness and transition activities.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Instructional & Academic Support, Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support, Adaptive & Daily Living Support, Workplace Readiness & Job Coaching (High School & Transition Program), General Supervision & Student Safety, Collaboration & Communication, Confidentiality & Professional Responsibilities.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
Ability to lift, transfer, and assist students with mobility needs (up to 50-80 lbs. with assistance). Frequent physical activity, including walking, kneeling, bending, assisting with transitions, and de-escalation. Ability to work in a variety of settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, and hallways. Willingness to spend a portion of each day outdoors on the playground or supporting bus duty, in various weather conditions.

For SSAs in job coaching roles, ability to work in community job sites and model appropriate workplace behavior.

Terms of Employment:
Calendar Days: 188 Hours per Day: 7.00 Wage Grid Lane:
Paraprofessional (P) / Tier C Hourly Rate Starting Range: $21.31 - $22.17 Benefits Benefits Page Status: BSEO - Classified Developed 03/2025 Updated Title/Pay 8/2026