Teacher Assistant

POSITION OVERVIEW:

At Trinity Services, all employees are considered professionals, whether degreed or non-degreed. As a Teacher Assistant (TA), you are expected to uphold the organization's core values by coaching rather than directing, advising rather than dictating, and modeling appropriate behaviors rather than parenting. This role is essential in promoting the Trinity Services culture, which is grounded in servant leadership and the Golden Rule: treating others as you wish to be treated.

The TA provides supervision, guidance, and support to students at Trinity School, fostering an environment that promotes learning and independence. This role contributes to the achievement of students' Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and ensures that support and services are provided in a dignified, respectful, and professional manner. As part of a collaborative team, the TA works alongside other staff members to maintain a cohesive approach to student development and success.

The following expectations allow Trinity Services to continue the provision of outstanding services. Trinity's definition of an outstanding quality of services means that everything counts. Therefore, a TA is responsible for generating ideas to make Trinity a better place.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Hourly Rate: $17.00 - $18.50
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Participation in school events and meetings required)

REPORTS TO:

Classroom Teacher and School Director

NETWORK OR DEPARTMENT:

Network 6

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Below are a list of the primary duties and responsibilities of this position:

• Assist the classroom teacher in providing academic and behavioral support to students.

• Deliver direct instruction based on students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).

• Collect and document data on students' progress toward IEP goals.

• Implement students' Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and track behavioral data.

• Update students/ program books and assess mastery of IEP benchmarks.

• Support students with daily living and self-care tasks, including eating, toileting, and hygiene.

• Prepare instructional materials as directed by the teacher, such as photocopying, cutting, and laminating.

• Maintain classroom organization and cleanliness, including shared spaces like the lunchroom, playground, kitchen, and gym.

• Collaborate with school staff, including other teacher assistants, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), occupational therapists (OTs), board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), and teachers.

• Adhere to all school safety protocols.

• Participate in professional development sessions as directed by the school administrator.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the teacher or school administrator.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good character and overall health.
• Ability and ambition to work with students with special needs.
• Ability to follow structured schedules and procedures.
• Willingness to learn new skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Lift up to 40 pounds from floor to waist unassisted.
• Push and pull up to 75 pounds.
• Perform deep knee squats.
• Remain stationary for extended periods (standing or sitting).
• Operate motor vehicles as necessary.
• Engage in physical activities such as balancing, pulling, pushing, standing, climbing, grasping, stooping, crouching, crawling, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and repetitive motion.
• Use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard
• Reach, stoop, and/or kneel to install computer equipment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid paraprofessional license or substitute license from the Illinois Board of Education.
• One of the following:
  • Associate's degree or higher
  • 60 semester hours of coursework
  • High school diploma or GED with a minimum score of 460 on the ETS ParaPro Assessment
  • High school diploma or GED with the following ACT WorkKeys scores:
    • Applied Mathematics: 4
    • Reading for Information/Workplace Documents: 4
    • Writing/Business Writing: 3
  • Classroom experience and familiarity with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices preferred.
  • Must be at least 19 years of age.