Program Assistant - Medically Fragile Student (Grant)

Township High School District 214; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Township High School District 214 is seeking a Program Assistant - Medically Fragile Student (BGHS) for 37.5 hours per week. This grant-funded, temporary assignment begins Sept 11, 2026, with a 10-month term and potential renewal pending funding.

The role supports medically fragile students under licensed teachers, including health care tasks per IEP, crisis response, tutoring, classroom support, and collaboration with staff, parents, and case managers. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• State and NCLB Approved Paraprofessional designation per ISBE.
• Physical ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs including students.
• Sit at workstation for extended periods or move between areas.
• Organize and prioritize workflow.
• Proficiency in computers and standard office practices/equipment.
• Clear, respectful communication with students, staff, parents and public.
• Completion of CPI training.
• Experience with medically fragile students and IEP/Health Care Plans.

Responsibilities

• Assist medically qualified staff with health care per IEP/Health Care Plan.
• Assist students under licensed staff by tutoring and monitoring assessments.
• Implement classroom procedures and reinforce positive behavior.
• Reinforce organizational and note-taking skills.
• Grade materials for immediate feedback.
• Demonstrate use of technology for instruction/remediation.
• Assist with medical equipment and loading/unloading from bus.
• Support students’ medical and personal care needs as needed.
• Organize and supervise off-campus programs; assist with clerical tasks.
• Record data and communicate student progress to case managers/nurse.

Skills

Crisis response

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Computer proficiency

Mobility/physical ability

Driver's license

CPI training

Experience with medically fragile/yout

Education

Paraprofessional designation (ISBE)

Job description

POSITION: Program Assistant - Medically Fragile Student (Grant) (BGHS) 37.5 hrs./wk. Grade 5 SALARY: Grade 5, Step 1, $27.62/hour ESPA agreement linked here. ASSIGNMENT: 10 Month, Temporary & Grant Funded Effective September 11, 2026 - Contract may be renewed annually pending grant funding GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: This work involves close interaction with staff, students and parents/guardians, with the primary emphasis on the implementation of specialized or vocational education programs. An Instructional Assistant works under the direction of a licensed teacher. Must be able to react appropriately in crisis situations as well as exhibit initiative and creativity. An employee in this position works within clearly established systems and procedures, must exhibit organizational skills and exercise independent judgment and confidentiality in the performance of duties. A Program Assistant/Medically Fragile individual must exhibit initiative and embrace a collaborative team approach to accomplish the mission of the district.

Qualifications

• Must have or obtain State and NCLB Approved Paraprofessional designation in accordance with Illinois State Board of Education requirements.
• Must have physical ability to lift/move supplies, materials and office equipment up to 50 lbs, as well as students needing assistance.
• Must sit at workstation for extended period of time and/or move frequently from workstation to various other areas of building.
• Must organize and prioritize workflow.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers, office practices, procedures and office equipment.
• Must project a positive image of the district to students, staff and parents as well as exhibit a positive employee attitude.
• Must demonstrate appropriate interpersonal skills, and communicate clearly and respectfully with students, staff, parents, visitors and the general public.
• Must have awareness of a variety of student needs including physical and social emotional needs.
• May need a valid driver's license.
• Must complete district-approved Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
• Must complete district-approved training to support the needs of medically-fragile students in accordance with students' IEPs and Health Care Plans.
• Must have previous experience working with youth and young adults.
• Must have the ability to adapt to all subject areas.
• Must move about frequently including sitting, walking, standing, stooping, bending, pushing wheelchairs, and using ramps.

Position Expectations

• Assisting medically qualified staff by providing specific health care for medically-fragile students as outlined in the IEP and the Health Care Plan. Health care is defined, but not limited to, gastrostomy (g-tube) feeding, surface suctioning, Vagus Nerve Stimulation and other procedures as allowed by law.
• Assisting students under the direction of licensed staff by, but not limited to:
• tutoring; monitoring and administering assessments as needed
• implementing classroom procedures and reinforcing student's positive behavior
• reinforcing organizational and note taking skills
• grading materials for immediate feedback
• demonstrating use of technology for instruction, drill and remediation as well as homework assignments
• having basic knowledge in the operation of medical equipment used by the student; assisting students during loading and unloading from bus.
• assisting, as needed, with students' medical and non-medical physical needs or personal care/toileting needs
• developing basic knowledge of software usage to support staff and students
• implementing students' health care and evacuation plans as necessary.
• Assisting an Education Association staff by, but not limited to:
• helping organize and supervise off-campus programs for students
• performing classroom related clerical tasks; assisting with lab set-up an clean-up
• previewing instructional materials; explaining classroom procedures and materials to substitute teachers when necessary
• acting as a liaison to communicate and record data regarding student progress; providing information to case manager and/or nurse regarding health-related issues
• compiling data and documenting pertinent health information and services provided
• Participating in appropriate professional development activities in order to enhance job performance.
• Cultivating and developing inclusive and equitable working relationships with staff, students and community members.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our district. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.