Instructional Teaching Assistant (ITA)

Helping Hand; Countryside, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purpose-driven work

Tuition reimbursement

Health insurance

Life/AD&D insurance

Disability insurance

PTO & holidays

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Helping Hand is seeking an Instructional Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional to support student learning and independence in a on-site school setting. You will partner with teachers, families, and staff to foster positive behavior and academic growth throughout the day.

The role emphasizes teamwork, patient instruction, and creating a welcoming classroom environment, with equity and inclusion guiding daily interactions and program implementation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• ISBE Paraprofessional Certification required.
• Two years of experience in Special Education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support students one-to-one and in small groups with academics and daily living tasks.
• Implement IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan strategies.
• Assist with supervision, structured teaching, and communication skill-building.
• Prepare materials, organize the classroom, and document progress.
• Promote positive relationships and maintain confidentiality with families and staff.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Adaptability

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High School Diploma or GED

ISBE Paraprofessional Certification

Job description

Join a mission-driven school where you'll make a meaningful impact as an Instructional Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional, every day. As an Instructional Teaching Assistant (ITA), you'll support student learning, communication, independence, and positive behavior while partnering closely with teachers, families, and team members across the school. This role is perfect for someone who is committed to teamwork, student growth, and creating a supportive classroom environment.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, weekdays, 37.5 hours per week.
• Salary range $21.75-$23.00 per hour (hourly/non-exempt).
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 6% annual bonus potential.
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Purpose-driven work that changes lives.
• Tuition reimbursement and clear career growth opportunities.
• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, Short-Term, and Long-Term Disability.
• Team member appreciation events and year-round recognition.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and wellness support.
• Generous PTO including paid holidays, personal time, paid school breaks, and accrued sick time.
• PSLF-qualifying employer under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Support students 1:1 and in small groups with academics and daily living tasks.
• Implement IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan strategies.
• Assist with supervision during the school day and provide support with structured teaching, communication skill-building, toileting, and feeding when needed.
• Interact with students using positive, therapeutic approaches.
• Prepare materials, organize the classroom, maintain data charts, and complete documentation.
• Promote positive relationships between students, peers, and staff.
• Communicate professionally with families and team members while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and agency initiatives, including crisis management training.
• Keep assigned spaces clean, safe, and organized.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING:

Education/Training:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• ISBE Paraprofessional Certification

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience in Special Education (preferred).

Skill Sets:

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to multitask, adapt while working with multiple students.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.
• The ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements, including but not limited to crisis management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist students, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist students.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in all situations.
• Occasional movement of students by wheelchair or other mechanical devices.
• The person in this position may encounter students exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.

Helping Hand is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that embracing our differences strengthens our community and enhances the quality of care we provide.