Personal Care Attendant - Immediate Start

Zen Educate; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Paid sick leave

Health insurance eligibility

Professional development

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is seeking paraeducators to support students with special needs across Chicago-area schools for the 2026–2027 school year.

The role focuses on assisting licensed teachers with classroom tasks, implementing accommodations, and helping students stay engaged throughout the day. Candidates should have at least 60 credits or an associate degree (or pass ADE/ParaPro/Praxis), one year of relevant experience, and strong English proficiency.

Qualifications

• Must be able to commute to downtown Chicago (Loop) for each shift.
• 60 credits, Associates Degree, or passing ADE/Praxis/ParaPro exam.
• 1+ year experience with children with special needs.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• US Work Authorization; no visa sponsorship provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in the classroom.
• Aid students in meeting their IEPs.
• Maintain a conducive learning environment.
• Work with individuals or small groups.
• Provide support for students in crisis.
• Use diverse methods to enhance learning experiences.
• Celebrate and support students.
• Assist with personal care (feeding, toileting).

Skills

English proficiency

Classroom support

IEP support

Crisis support

Education

60 credits

Associates Degree

ParaPro/Praxis Exam

Job description

Job Description

Secure Your Role for the 2026–2027 School Year!
We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. Now’s your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact.

???? About Zen Educate
At Zen Educate, we make it easier for educators to find roles that truly fit. We connect you with schools that match your experience, preferences, and goals, so you can focus on teaching, not job searching. By partnering closely with schools and districts, we create better matches, offer fair pay, and support you throughout your journey, helping you build a career that works for you.

In this role you will be positively contributing to the lives of children in special education by supporting licensed teachers with academic adaptations, self-care, and social/behavioral needs. This role would consist of providing daily substitute coverage in special education classes - with the possibility of securing a longer-term position if interested/fit is right.

Responsibilities:

• Assisting licensed staff in the classroom
• Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP)
• Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning
• Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
• Provide support for students in crisis
• Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed
• Celebrate the students you’re working with
• Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

• Must be able to reliably commute to downtown Chicago (60603, the Loop) for each scheduled shift.
• 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam
• 1+ years experience working with children with special needs
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English
• US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time.

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
• Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications:

• Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional (PARA) endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
• Previous experience working in special education
• Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
• Crisis prevention (CPI) training
• CPR certification

Salary
Pay: $21 per hour, paid weekly
Schedule: Minimum two days throughout Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).

Benefits and other offerings

• Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
• Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
• 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.