Specialized Paraprofessional Junior High​/High School

Specialized Paraprofessional Junior High/High School

Instructional Support

• Under the direction of the teacher, provide support to students in specialized and inclusive learning environments
• Use adapted materials, visuals, and hands-on support to help students engage in learning
• Help students follow daily routines and complete structured task

Student Care & Physical Support

• Work with a wide range of students with health, physical, emotional, intellectual, and/or behavioral disabilities
• Assist with adaptive/self-care needs throughout the day. This may include feeding, diapering, bathroom assistance, mobility
• Support communication with Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices
• Provide physical assistance (proximity and direct support) in transporting students between classrooms and other learning environments
• Assist with arrival, dismissal, and transportation needs

Behavior & Social Support

• Monitor and support student behavior consistent with strategies outlined in the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
• Support the development of social skills with positive interactions with others
• Support students in following classroom expectations and routines
• Use consistent strategies to help students stay safe, regulated and engaged
• Work with the team to respond calmly and consistently to challenging behaviors

Teamwork & Classroom Support

• Work as part of a collaborative team with the teacher and support staff
• Follow student-specific plans and directions provided by the teacher
• Collect simple data and maintain daily records as directed
• Assist with classroom setup, organization, and preparation when needed

Minimum Qualifications

• Desire to work with students who have complex needs
• Comfortable providing hands-on support in an active classroom environment
• Ability to follow structured routines and take direction from a teacher
• Must obtain and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (training provided). Training focuses on prevention, de-escalation, and safe ways to support students during moments of strong emotions and unsafe behavior
• Willingness to attend additional trainings specific to students you work with including training on Alternative and Augmentative Communication devices
• High School Diploma or GED
• Illinois Paraprofessional License; may apply on offer

Specialized Special Education Paraprofessionals provide assistance to students with a variety of complex conditions. Specialized Special Education Paraprofessionals are key members of a structured, team-based classroom that supports students with a wide range of learning, communication and behavioral needs. Paraprofessionals work closely with the classroom teacher and support staff to provide consistent routines, hands-on support, and meaningful learning experiences throughout the school day.

This role focuses on helping students build independence, participate in daily routines, and improve communication.

Duties may include mobility assistance, feeding with or without adaptive assistance, bath rooming, diapering, documentation and maintenance of daily procedure, and assistance with the instructional programming using instructional materials that are adapted to meet the needs for students PK-age 22.