Intensive Special Education Paraprofessional

The Illinois Association of School Administrators; Barrington (IL); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Intensive Paraprofessional role supports students with moderate to severe disabilities within the BEST and STRIVE programs in Illinois. You will implement individualized plans, collect behavioral data, and assist with adaptive physical, medical, and behavioral needs under supervision.

You will work closely with certified staff to provide structured learning environments, life skills training, and supportive routines that promote independence and student success.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; further education preferred.
• Illinois Paraprofessional License or evidence of application.
• Willingness to engage in personal care, feeding, toileting, and medical tasks.
• Ability to complete CPI training and engage in safe physical management when needed.
• Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills to support students.

Responsibilities

• Learn and understand each student’s unique needs within BEST and STRIVE, ensuring accommodations are implemented with fidelity.
• Assist in structured teaching, functional communication, and sensory regulation techniques per staff directions.
• Collect behavioral data per BIPs and program leadership instructions.
• Reinforce positive behavior strategies and support self-regulation.
• Supervise and assist during transitions between activities, locations, and services.
• Assist in alternative curriculum instruction including life skills and functional academics.
• Model and support use of AAC devices, core boards, and structured teaching techniques.
• Guide students through structured routines to increase independence and engagement.
• Assist students with personal care, hygiene, toileting, mobility, and feeding needs as required.
• Lift, transfer, and position students safely; provide medical delegation when trained.
• Support CPI-based crisis intervention and behavior management, including debriefings.

Skills

Communication skills

Patience

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or higher preferred

Illinois Paraprofessional License

Job description

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Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Student Support & Program Implementation

Learn and understand each student’s unique needs within the BEST and STRIVE programs, ensuring that all accommodations, modifications, and individualized plans are implemented with fidelity.

Assist in structured teaching, functional communication, and sensory regulation techniques, reinforcing skills as directed by certified staff.

Collect behavioral data in accordance with students' Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and as directed by certified staff and program leadership.

Reinforce positive behavior strategies and assist in implementing self-regulation techniques.

Supervise and assist students during transitions between activities, locations, and services.

• Assist in alternative curriculum instruction, including life skills training and functional academics.
• Consistent modeling and support for students in using AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, core boards, and structured teaching techniques.
• Guide students through structured routines to increase independence and engagement.

Adaptive Physical & Medical Support

• Assist students with personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, and feeding needs, etc., as required.
• Lift, transfer, and position students with mobility challenges, ensuring safety at all times.
• Serve as a delegated care aide, assisting with medical needs such as seizure protocols, oral/nasal suctioning, and emergency medication administration (training provided).

Behavioral & Crisis Intervention Support

• Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with fidelity, ensuring alignment with best practices in special education, ABA, and trauma-informed care.
• Be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and willing to engage in physical management as a last resort to maintain student and staff safety.
• Support students displaying high-intensity behaviors, including kicking, biting, throwing, spitting, and self-injury, etc., while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.
• Participate in CPI debriefing and behavior team meetings to review incidents and improve support strategies.
• Assist students in developing self-regulation and coping skills.
• Work collaboratively with BCBAs, special education teachers, and related service providers to maintain student engagement and progress.

Classroom & School Wide Support

Supervise students during lunch, recess, and bus duty before and after school, as assigned, and enforce expectations for appropriate student behavior.

Monitor and assist students during special school events, assemblies, and field trips.

Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive student information at all times.

Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by supervisors or school leadership.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or higher preferred.
• Illinois Paraprofessional License (or evidence of applied for license)
• Willingness and ability to engage in personal care, feeding, toileting, and medical tasks.
• Ability to complete Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and engage in physical management when necessary.
• Ability to obtain and maintain CPR certification and effectively administer CPR when required.
• Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills to support students with high-intensity support needs.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: (Completed by the Office of Human Resources)

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Intensive Paraprofessional provides specialized support to students with moderate to severe disabilities, complex medical needs, and significant behavioral challenges within the BEST (Building Essential Skills Together) and STRIVE (Structured Teaching Reinforced in a Visual Environment) programs.

This role requires high-level training and readiness to assist with adaptive physical, medical, and behavioral needs, including personal care, feeding, toileting, medical delegation, behavioral intervention, and crisis prevention. Must be CPI-trained and comfortable engaging in physical management as needed to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Intensive Paraprofessionals play a critical role in implementing individualized student plans, collecting behavioral data, and supporting structured learning environments that promote student independence and success.