Paraprofessional

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 an energetic and professional Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults aged 17-21 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.

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.

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.
• 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

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: Strong collaborative communication skills, an active mindset, and comfort with daily walking and traveling throughout the local community.

Salary/Benefits

Paraprofessional Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Access to finding childcare & applying for financial assistance