Lead Instructional Teaching Assistant/Lead Paraprofessional

Helping Hand; Countryside (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer-paid Life/AD&D, Short-Term, &

Long-Term Disability

PTO with holidays and school breaks

PSLF-qualifying employer

Job summary

Helping Hand is seeking a Lead Instructional Teaching Assistant (LITA) to work with our Special Education team in Countryside, IL. This on-site role supports students with communication, behavior, self-reliance, and academics, while mentoring ITAs and implementing IEPs.

You will collaborate with teachers, therapists, and families to promote student growth, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to a safe, inclusive classroom environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• ISBE Substitute Teacher Certification required or in progress.
• Two years in Special Education preferred.
• Experience with autism and I/DD preferred.
• Strong classroom management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support students 1:1 or in small groups to achieve learning and behavioral goals.
• Implement IEP and behavior plans with care and consistency.
• Lead and support ITAs through training, feedback, and daily guidance.
• Create a positive, therapeutic classroom environment.
• Step in as a substitute teacher when needed.
• Partner with families, teachers, and therapists to promote student growth.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold confidentiality.

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Company values

Diversity & inclusion

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree

ISBE Substitute Teacher Certification

Job description

Description

As a Lead Instructional Teaching Assistant (LITA), you'll work alongside our Special Education teachers to create inclusive, engaging classrooms where every student can thrive. You'll lead by example, providing support, mentorship, and guidance to Instructional Teaching Assistants while helping students reach goals in communication, behavior, self-reliance, and academics.

If you're passionate about education, teamwork, and making a difference in the lives of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this is the role for you!

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION

• On-site position, weekdays, 37.5 hours per week.
• Salary range $23.50-$25.00 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 or in small groups to achieve learning and behavioral goals.
• Implement IEP and behavior plans with care and consistency.
• Lead and support ITAs through training, feedback, and daily guidance.
• Create a positive, therapeutic classroom environment.
• Step in as a substitute teacher when needed.
• Partner with families, teachers, and therapists to promote student growth.
• Maintain accurate documentation and uphold confidentiality.

Requirements

WHAT YOU BRING

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.
• ISBE Substitute Teacher Certification

Experience

• Two (2) years of experience in the field of Special Education (preferred).
• Classroom management experience>
• Experience working with autism and I/DD (preferred).

Skill Sets

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask and work with multiple students.
• Problem-solving skills and decision‑making skills.
• 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 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.