pecial Education Program Paraprofessional (#23644)

VACANCY: The Valley View Public School District is seeking an individual to fill a full-time Special Education Program Paraprofessional position for the 2024/2025 school year.

JOB SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of a licensed staff member the paraprofessional performs functions assisting in the educational, functional, and social development of students, across settings to provide support to a student or students with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists and guides students with academic tasks and functional skills as assigned by teacher/clinician.
• Supervises and assists students with transitions in classroom and educational settings, during structured and unstructured activities indicated by the Individual Education Plan, both within and outside of the school building (ie: lunchroom, restroom, playground, applicable community settings, additional activities)
• Provides academic, functional, and behavioral support to student(s) in accordance with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and other related support plans
• Assists with communication, scheduling, and adaptations of curriculum and the educational environment to meet the needs of students
• Works with students individually or in small groups as assigned to reinforce learning concepts.
• Assists with record-keeping as needed to track and record student progress
• Implements established classroom management strategies to ensure student safety, a supportive and responsive learning environment for all, and student engagement in learning activities
• Constructs, copies and distributes, and uses educational materials as directed and needed.
• Apply all rules and procedures governing safety protocols and methods of assistance for students
• Collaborate and cooperate with classroom teachers and other staff in order to coordinate instructional plans for students and prepare for activities.
• Use computers, instructional technology, assistive devices, equipment and materials necessary for student and teacher support; utilize computers and software applications when necessary (e.g., Google Suite), and support students in use of the same.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development as needed/requested.
• Assist students with assistive devices, supportive technology, and assistance accessing facilities, such as the restroom.
• Implement therapeutic regimens such as behavior modification and sensory breaks under the supervision of special education personnel.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION / LICENSURE:

• Minimum valid Illinois Professional Educator License with stipulations, endorsed for Paraprofessional Educator (see current IL qualifications for licensure)
• Minimum HS Diploma or equivalent with 30 hours of college coursework

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Motivated, energetic, adaptable to change in the workplace; initiative and follow-through with responsibilities
• Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally
• Academic proficiency in mathematics and language arts (reading/writing/comprehension), and ability to support students with grade level content.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Knowledge of curriculum materials and instructional techniques desirable
• Professionalism as a student role model and in the performance of duties as a colleague
• Bilingual paraprofessional positions require fluency in speaking and writing in designated language to support translation of materials and interpreting if appropriate

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
Position may require ability to participate fully in the training, regular certification and use of established methods of de-escalation and physical management of students. Work is performed within the school/ district environment where unusual temperature, noise, and hazards are relatively nonexistent. Work requires the employee to perform the following critical physical demands of the job in the school or district office setting as applicable:

• Ability to regularly communicate verbally, see, and hear.
• Ability to pull, push, ambulate, perform tasks from standing and seated position, and use fine motor manipulation during the normal performance of tasks and responsibilities.
• Ability to occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
• Ability to maneuver and physically assist students as necessary
• May require assisting student(s) with activities of daily living, including toileting, diapering, and eating, to ensure they are able to participate in school or learning activities as indicated in IEP.
• May be responsible for assisting toileting, diapering, feeding, and lifting of students.

PAY SCALE AND BENEFIT DISCLOSURE: Salary is in accordance with the Paraprofessional Salary Schedule.

Benefits:

• Medical/Vision and Dental coverage through BCBSIL
• FSA and Dependent DayCare accounts
• Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Salary Advancement
• IMRF contribution included in base salary
• 403B

EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement between the Valley View Council and the Board of Education.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applicants should apply online at www.vvsd.org and upload a letter of application with resume, current transcripts and three (3) letters of recommendation dated within the last twelve (12) months.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: The deadline for receiving applications is Open Until Filled. Interviews with selected applicants will be held as soon as practicable.

Equal Opportunity Employer