Community-Based Job Coach & Life Skills Mentor

Illinois Education Job Bank; Skokie (IL); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Referral program

Childcare assistance

Job summary

Orchard Academy is seeking a Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults age 17–21 transitioning from high school to independence. You will work in classes and in the community, fostering job readiness, life skills, and social-emotional development with collaboration from the school team.

You will help implement IEP goals, accompany students to internships, and collect performance data.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate's degree or higher preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification: Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Certification preferred or required per state guidelines.
• Experience: Two years in special education or supporting neurodiverse learning profiles preferred.
• Licensure: Valid Driver's License required.
• Training: First Aid, CPR, Crisis Management certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized instructional support reinforcing curriculum, life skills, and transition topics.
• Coach students in practical life skills such as culinary arts, budgeting, and personal resource management.
• Support executive functioning and social-emotional development for independence.
• Assist students with varying disabilities, promoting self-regulation and hygiene independence.
• Perform community-based internship supervision and job-readiness coaching.
• Prepare materials and assist teacher; participate in staff trainings and meetings.

Skills

Collaborative communication

Active mindset

Daily walking/traveling

Education

Associate's degree or higher

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Orchard Academy is seeking a Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults age 17–21 transitioning from high school to independence. You will work in classes and in the community, fostering job readiness, life skills, and social-emotional development with collaboration from the school team.

You will help implement IEP goals, accompany students to internships, and collect performance data.