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 at www.eastersealschicago.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. 

MAJOR FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• 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 constructive feedback.
• Serve as a leader and guide to facilitate operational changes in the classroom setting, including the implementation of new instructional or behavioral strategies.
• Model ongoing learning to advance skills as a leader and Paraprofessional, demonstrating a commitment to growth.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to training, mentorship, staff performance, and student outcomes as required.
• Utilize technology and data management systems to track staff development, student progress, and compliance metrics.
• Ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and best in special education.

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree or short-term substitute licensure
• Illinois State Paraprofessional Certificate

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with a special needs population.
• Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring, or coaching education staff.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in an educational setting is strongly preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to perform all duties of a Paraprofessional, including direct support to students with disabilities, implementation of instructional and behavioral plans, and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Ability to multitask in a high-stress environment.
• Ability to interact with and lead diverse personalities to obtain a shared goal.
• Ability to enhance the professional growth and development of staff members through modeling, coaching, and feedback.
• Proficient in collecting, analyzing, and utilizing data to guide decision-making and support staff development.Possess a clear understanding of the IEP process and the regulating Federal and State procedural safeguards.
• Understanding and awareness of autism and related disorders, as well as a broad rand of disabilities.
• Well organized and detail-oriented with emphasis on accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Technologically adept – comfort, familiarity, and ability to learn and use variety of computer applications. Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, , learning management systems, and Canva. Ability to use various internet browsers and video conferencing.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in special education.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

ADA: Easterseals will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disability Act of 1990. Unless exempted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons hired for this position are required to possess the ability to perform the physical tasks necessary to treat clients, i.e., bending, floor-sitting, etc., as well as to have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.