Teacher Assistant

Lawrence Hall; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established community-based organization seeks a compassionate Teacher Assistant to support youth and families in healing from trauma. In this vital role, you will assist the educational team in fostering positive communication and managing classroom behavior for students aged six to twenty-one. Your expertise in intervention techniques and understanding of childhood trauma will help create a safe and empowering learning environment. This innovative firm prioritizes respect, empowerment, safety, and teamwork, making it an ideal place for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Join a dedicated team committed to transformative care and support.

Benefits

17-25 days of PTO

Comprehensive health insurance

Wellness reimbursement

401(k) with 100% employer match

Supplemental insurance options

Life & AD&D insurance

Commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Referral Program

Tuition & Loan Assistance

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years of age and hold a High School Diploma.
• Two years of experience working with adolescents or at-risk youth required.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in improving classroom performance of students.
• Implement instructional materials and maintain student behavior.

Skills

Verbal intervention skills

Physical intervention skills

Active listening skills

Empathy

Behavior management

Education

High School Diploma

Para Professional License

Job description

WHO WE ARE:

Annually serving over 1,400 youth and families, Lawrence Hall is a community-based organization committed to helping Chicago's youth, families, and communities heal from the adverse effects of childhood trauma. For more than 150 years, Lawrence Hall has been delivering high-quality care throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and is a statewide leader in highly effective, evidence-based, and innovative therapeutic treatment. Their core programs-Child and Family Treatment Center, Therapeutic Day School, Creative Therapies, Foster Care, Transitional/Independent Living Program, Workforce Development, and Community Wellness-have met the changing and complex needs of youth and families by not only becoming more community based, but also by developing more preventative programs that help curb violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Educational Services, the Teacher Assistant works within a classroom giving assistance to the teacher for the improvement of classroom performance of individual students; assists the education team in maintaining student behavior in the school area by utilization of intervention techniques in line with Agency policy of students weighing a minimum of 50 lbs. Must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals six (6) through twenty-one (21) years of age. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. Lawrence Hall fosters a culture built upon four core values: Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork. These values are deeply embedded within our organization's philosophy of trauma-informed care and directly influence every position. Includes ability to visually observe/hear classroom disruptions and outbursts.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate positive communication and pro social interactions by actively engaging students in productive and meaningful conversations and social interactions that will serve to educate or teach them new skills
• Implement instruction and instructional materials prepared by or agreed to by the teacher
• Provide classroom supports, including data collection and written reports
• Provide student support by using active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative and derogatory labels that foster disrespect
• Understand that behaviors, responses, attitudes, and emotions are a collection of survival skills often developed in response to traumatic experiences
• Addresses classroom and individual behavioral issues by applying approved intervention strategies that support healing, recovery and resist re-traumatization
• Responsible for assisting in the behavior management of students requiring physical restraint as described in the agency policy
• Provide support with hygiene and personal care skills
• May be required to transport students on field trips in agency vehicles
• Ability/willingness to work effectively with all program participants and family members, employees and vendors in a culturally diverse environment to support healing and recovery
• Maintain confidentiality of staff, program participants and stakeholders
• Uphold agency policies
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve-month period
• Requires knowledge of typical child and adolescent development and an understanding of trauma exposure and traumatic stress signs and symptoms
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Abide by the rules and regulations found in the Education Staff Manual
• Attend and participate in required agency trainings
• Other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Use of abdominal and lower back muscles continuously over time to support others
• Ability to pass TCI certification and physically restrain students when necessary
• Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years of age
• High School Diploma and a current Para Professional License from the Illinois State Board of Education
• Two years of experience in a school setting working with adolescents/at-risk youth
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• Valid IL, IN, or WI Driver's license and proof of insurance required
• No history of child abuse or neglect
• Ability to pass background and drug screen

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to student behavior problems that may include physical acting out and requires safe physical management skills
• Exposure to residents with complex mental health issues and/or disorders
• Exposure to youth with various states of cleanliness and hygiene

Benefits and Perks that Support You

• Time Off Benefits (PTO): Employees receive an average of 17-25 days of PTO, including vacation, paid leave, and sick time, in addition to 9 paid holidays.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are available for employees, spouses/domestic partners, and child dependents.
• Wellness Reimbursement: Employees can receive up to $20 per month towards wellness-related subscriptions/memberships.
• Retirement Savings: Our 401(k) plan includes a 100% employer match on contributions up to 3% after one year of service.
• Supplemental Insurance: Coverage options include Critical Illness, Accident Insurance, and Short-Term & Long-Term Disability for employees and their families.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Full-time employees receive term life insurance equal to twice their salary at no cost.
• Commuter Benefits: Pre-tax options are available to help cover parking and transit expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): A free and confidential resource providing support for personal and work-related challenges.
• Employee Referral Program: Employees can earn up to $1,500 for referring successful candidates.
• Tuition & Loan Assistance: Lawrence Hall is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Frequently cited statistics show that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the necessary skills and abilities. Lawrence Hall encourages you to apply even if you do not have experience in all areas of essential functions. We look forward to your application.

This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-Exempt.

Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V