Paraprofessional

Orchard Village; Skokie (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life 보험

401(k)

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Referral program

Tuition reimbursement

Childcare financial assistance access

Job summary

Orchard Academy in Illinois seeks an energetic Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults aged 17–21 as they transition from high school to independent adulthood. This hybrid role combines instructional classroom support with community-based mentorship.

You will accompany students into the community to foster job readiness, independent living, and social–emotional development, collaborating with our academic team and a full‑time social worker to help students meet

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher preferred; high school diploma required.
• Illinois Paraprofessional Certification preferred or required by state guidelines.
• Valid Driver’s License is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized instructional support reinforcing the academic curriculum and life skills.
• Coach practical life skills including culinary arts, food safety, budgeting, and personal resource management.
• Develop executive functioning and social-emotional skills for navigating daily environments.
• Assist students with varying physical or behavioral disabilities, promoting independence and self-care.
• Support students during community internships and job readiness activities.
• Collaborate with teachers and the social worker to meet IEP transition goals.

Skills

Effective communication

Collaboration

Life skills coaching

Education

Associate's degree or higher

Illinois Paraprofessional Certification

Driver's License

Job description

This job was posted by https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov : For more

Information, Please See https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov/jobs/13782541

Orchard Academy is seeking an energetic and professional Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults aged 1721 as they transition from high school into independent adulthood.

This unique hybrid role combines instructional classroom support with active, community-based mentorship. Rather than operating inside a traditional classroom all day, you will accompany students directly into the community to foster job readiness, independent living, and social-emotional development. You will work collaboratively with our academic team and full-time social worker to help students satisfy their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and build lasting self-determination.

Pay: $22/hr.

Why Join Our Team?

• Dynamic Work Environment: Your classroom is the community, where you will guide students through real-world internships, public transit navigation, grocery shopping, and recreational activities.
• Measurable Community Impact: You directly empower capable young adults to master executive functioning skills, secure competitive employment, and prepare for independent living.
• Excellent Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a reliable, predictable daytime schedule with paid regular school breaks and holidays.

Paraprofessional Responsibilities

Instructional & Life Skills Coaching

• Provide individualized instructional support to reinforce the academic curriculum, life skills, and transition topics designed by the teacher.
• Coach students in practical life skills lessons, including culinary arts, food safety, financial budgeting, and personal resource management.
• Guide students in developing executive functioning and social-emotional skills necessary to navigate challenging everyday environments.
• Assist students with varying physical or behavioral disabilities according to their individual needs, promoting personal care, self-regulation, and hygiene independence.

Job Coaching & Community Mentorship

• Serve as a professional role model while mentoring students during non-paid community internships and job readiness training.
• Accompany and actively supervise students during community-based outings, service learning projects, and travel training experiences.
• Assist students with college preparation activities, campus exploration, and navigating post-secondary aspirations.

Compliance, Administrative, & Team Collaboration

• Work alongside the full-time social worker and academic staff to implement and reinforce targeted IEP transition goals.
• Collect accurate student performance data, maintain instructional charts, and communicate changes in behavior or general health directly to the teacher.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records and family information in compliance with institutional and legal standards.
• Support the teacher by preparing necessary instructional materials, setting up classroom areas, and managing program equipment.
• Participate in staff development training programs, collaborative faculty meetings, and special academy events.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Education: Associate's degree or higher is preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certification: Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Certification is Preferred Or Required Based On State Guidelines.
• Experience: Two years of experience working in special education or supporting neurodiverse learning profiles is highly preferred.
• Licensure: Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Training: Ability to successfully complete and maintain required certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Crisis Management.
• Key Skills: trong collaborative communication skills, an active mindset, and comfort with daily walking and traveling throughout the local community.

Paraprofessional Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance
• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Access to finding childcare & applying for financial assistance