Paraprofessional Student Support Specialist

Description

EMBRACING ABILITIES. EXPANDING POSSIBILITIES.

At Easterseals of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford, we are committed to two – often interconnecting - pillars of work……early learning and disability. Through these pillars, we transform the lives of early learners and individuals of all abilities through access to expert educational, family, and community support. As an affiliate of America’s largest nonprofit health care organization, we have proudly served the communities and families of Chicagoland and Greater Rockford since 1936.

For more information about our organization, please visit us online tersealschicago.org.

The Paraprofessional Student Support Specialist (“Paraprofessional Specialist”) is an Illinois-licensed paraprofessional educator who monitors and influences professional role competence of paraprofessionals in a designated portfolio of classrooms in a nonpublic special education setting. The Paraprofessional Specialist collaborates with Academy administration within designated areas of responsibility to disseminate information on policies, role responsibilities, deliver training and coaching to classroom paraprofessionals, and perform observations to provide feedback on various skills and competencies that promote student progress.

The Paraprofessional Specialist collaborates with the Academy leadership team to develop and refine staff skills that most directly affect meaningful change within our student population as students work to attain their IEP goals. The Paraprofessional Specialist must be able to perform all duties required of a Paraprofessional, including direct student support, implementing instructional plans, and assisting with behavioral and academic interventions as needed.

This role is ideal for educators who are passionate about supporting both students and colleagues, thrive in collaborative environments, and are committed to using evidence-based practices and data-driven decision-making to foster meaningful growth. Individuals who excel at mentoring others, enjoy facilitating professional development, and value ongoing learning will find fulfillment and challenge in this position.

This position is located at the Easterseals Academy - Machesney Park Campus at 8301 Mitchell Road, Machesney Park, IL 61115.

• Serve as a resource to Easterseals Academy in the management, documentation, compliance, and training of paraprofessionals on student plans and evidence-based practices.
• Work closely with administrative and educational staff to support the ongoing development of staff competency.
• Train, mentor, and provide feedback to paraprofessional staff, including facilitating group and one-on-one training sessions and ongoing professional development.
• Serve as a role model for staff, demonstrating exemplary behavior management, instructional support, and ethical decision-making.
• Collaborate with the administrative team and educational staff to develop and refine essential competency areas for optimal classroom and student performance.
• Actively work to transform educational performance at the classroom level, utilizing project management and improvement processes.
• Demonstrate the value of professional development to the organization through evidence-based or data-driven improvements in staff performance and student outcomes related to quality, safety, and instructional effectiveness.
• Provide recommendations to leadership regarding systems and processes that support learning opportunities that advance educational competencies and decision-making skills of staff.
• Coordinate the monitoring, analysis, and documentation of competencies required by Academy administration, including data collection, interpretation, and reporting to inform ongoing improvement.
• Aid in the creation of a work environment that attracts, retains, and engages the highest quality of staff.
• Proactively address any issues affecting classroom environments in collaboration with classroom teachers and support staff.
• Assist in the orientation, induction, and training of Paraprofessional staff.
• Aid in the development of staff through individualized coaching, mentoring, and…