Special Ed Classroom Assist (SECA) at ChicagoArts HS

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Classroom Assistant for the North/Northwest Side location, working under a Special Education teacher with an ISBE paraprofessional license.

The role includes one-on-one tutoring, personal care tasks, and assisting in daily living skills to support students with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid TASN paraprofessional license or equivalent.
• Must have completed at least 60 semester hours or pass a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys/Parapro).
• Strong knowledge of English grammar and spelling is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Special Education teachers in classrooms with students who have various disabilities.
• Provide one-on-one tutoring and support for students according to IEPs.
• Assist with daily living tasks and personal assistance as needed.
• Move and position non-ambulatory students per teacher instructions.
• Support documentation of student behavior and progress.

Skills

Disability knowledge

English skills

Math basics

Education

ISBE paraprofessional license

60 college credits or paraprofessional exam

Job description

Posting Date

Sep 24, 2026, 3:00:51 AM

Primary Location

North/Northwest Side-2714 W Augusta Blvd (Chicago Arts High School)

Salary Range : $41,766.58 to $60,584.36

JOB DESCRIPTION ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Class Title

Special Education Classroom Assistant

Characteristics of the Class

Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions

• Assist Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP)
• Lift and position non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians
• Provide one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts
• Provide one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age
• Assist students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners
• Assist teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency
• Accompany students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves
• Assist in feeding students unable to do so themselves
• Take notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves
• Correct homework assignments and examination materials; assist teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompany students and teachers on class field trips; attend and participate in workshops and in service training to update job related skills

Marginal Functions

• May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students
• May administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher
• May operate audio-visual equipment
• May operate photocopying equipment

Minimum Qualifications

Certification Requirements. Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skill

• Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
• Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You’ll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

Keep in touch to hear about our organization.