Special Education Paraprofessional

Do you seek to make a difference in the lives of immigrants, refugees, and the under served?

Do you seek to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly immigrants, refugees, and the under served?

Our holistic approach to human services improves lives now and for generations ahead. by removing barriers and providing comprehensive and culturally responsive services.

Trellus supports immigrant and refugees arriving from over 50 different countries and Chicago area residents and families , all are welcome here.

Mission: Our mission is to empower immigrants, refugees, and all underserved communities to thrive by removing barriers and providing supports that create opportunities for life.

Vision: To live in a world where all immigrants, refugees and underserved communities have equal access to opportunities and resources and face no barriers to full participation in life. We strive to build a community where diversity is celebrated, and all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Core Values: Core values are the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide our organizations behavior, decision-making and culture.

• Embrace Community
• Advance Opportunity
• Bolster Learning and Growth
• Honor Diversity
• Foster Collaboration
• Champion People

We are seeking Paraprofessionals for our Elementary school to help support the work we do.

Department Job Function:

Passages Elementary School serves families and their students from kindergarten through eighth grade. We welcome all students living in Chicago and are one of the most diverse schools representing over 40 languages. Passages offers a tailored educational program focused on high academic standards and instruction based on students' individual needs.

Basic Job Function:

Paraprofessionals work under the overall supervision of their building principal with direct supervision provided by the Case Manager. They are employed when required to implement Special Education or related services for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Read and understand IEPs of all students who receive services from the paraprofessional
• Implement required services of students’ IEPs.
• Work with the general education teacher and the Special Education teacher to ensure that students’ IEPs are followed and implemented.
• Follow the work schedule as outlined by the case manager and/or administrator.
• Attend field trips with students who receive services from the paraprofessional.
• Continuously monitor the behavior of students with IEPs.
• Implement Restorative Practices should conflicts arise.
• Maintain anecdotal notes, written observations, and other approved forms of documentation for each child for documentation of services
• Assist the Lead Teacher in administering and scoring appropriate screenings and assessments required by the program according to designated timelines.
• Attend and participate in Parent/Teacher conferences and mandatory school-wide activities.
• Actively participate in IEP meetings when required.
• Communicate at least weekly with parents and families.
• Follow all policies and procedures prescribed by Passages administration and Trellus.
• Participate in paraprofessional trainings provided by CPS and any other trainings deemed necessary by the agency. It is also important to bring back and share information presented at such meetings.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Support the Mission Statement of Trellus.
• Always behave and speak in a professional manner.
• Set a good example in terms of punctuality and attendance.
• Attend staff and team meetings.
• Be proactive in matters relating to health and safety.

Qualifications (Skills/Knowledge/Abilities):

• Valid Paraprofessional or Substitute License
• Be capable of physically assisting students with specials needs as required (positioning, lifting, transferring, restraining, etc.)
• Have demonstrated ability to work effectively under the direction of others
• Cooperates successfully as a member of a team.
• Communicates effectively with others, including giving and receiving feedback on the quality of services.
• Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Trellus is an equal employment opportunity employer dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all of its employees without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, political or union affiliation, maternity status, parental status, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,375.00 - $50,599.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you bilingual? If so, what other languages do you speak?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Special education: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Paraprofessional Certification (Required)

Work Location: In person