Teacher Assistant

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

Job summary

An established community-based organization is seeking a dedicated Teacher Assistant to support classroom activities and improve student performance. This role involves fostering positive communication, managing classroom behavior, and engaging with students aged 6 to 21, particularly those affected by trauma. The ideal candidate will possess strong verbal and physical intervention skills, a commitment to trauma-informed care, and a passion for empowering youth. Join a team that values respect, empowerment, safety, and teamwork while making a meaningful impact in the lives of Chicago's youth and families.

Benefits

PTO

Health insurance

Wellness reimbursements

Retirement plan with employer match

Supplemental insurances

Life insurance

Commuter benefits

EAP

Referral bonuses

Tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Must be 21 years or older with a High School Diploma and Para Professional License.
• At least two years of experience working with adolescents or at-risk youth.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom activities and assist the teacher in improving student performance.
• Implement instructional materials and maintain classroom behavior.

Skills

Verbal intervention skills

Physical intervention skills

Active listening

Empathy

Classroom management

Education

High School Diploma

Para Professional License

Job description

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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 adapted to meet the changing needs of youth and families, emphasizing community-based and preventative programs to reduce violence in Chicago's communities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Director of Educational Services, the Teacher Assistant supports classroom activities, assists the teacher in improving student performance, and helps maintain classroom behavior using intervention techniques aligned with agency policies. Must be able to use verbal and physical intervention skills with students aged 6 to 21, including kneeling and standing without assistance. Lawrence Hall values Respect, Empowerment, Safety, and Teamwork, which are integral to their trauma-informed care philosophy. The role includes observing classroom disruptions and outbursts.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Foster positive communication and social interactions, engaging students in meaningful conversations to teach new skills.
• Implement instructional materials prepared by the teacher.
• Support classroom management, data collection, and reporting.
• Use active listening and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy, avoiding negative labels.
• Recognize that behaviors are often responses to trauma and support healing through appropriate intervention strategies.
• Assist in behavior management, including physical restraint as per agency policy.
• Support hygiene and personal care as needed.
• Transport students on field trips if required.
• Work effectively with diverse program participants, families, staff, and vendors to promote healing.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold agency policies.
• Attend trauma-informed training sessions and other required agency trainings.
• Understand child and adolescent development and trauma signs.
• Engage caregivers and family members about the progress and challenges of program participants.
• Follow the Education Staff Manual and perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Use of core muscles to support others.
• Pass TCI certification and physically restrain students when necessary.
• Ability to stand from kneeling position without assistance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be 21 years or older.
• High School Diploma and a current Para Professional License from the Illinois State Board of Education.
• At least two years of experience working with adolescents or at-risk youth in a school setting.
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and experience working with trauma-affected youth preferred.
• Knowledge of youth development and positive youth approaches preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance for IL, IN, or WI.
• No history of child abuse or neglect.
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screening.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to challenging behaviors requiring safe physical management.
• Exposure to youth with complex mental health issues.
• Potential exposure to varying hygiene and cleanliness levels among residents.

Benefits include PTO, health insurance, wellness reimbursements, retirement plan with employer match, supplemental insurances, life insurance, commuter benefits, EAP, referral bonuses, and tuition assistance. Lawrence Hall encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and those who do not meet all listed qualifications to apply. This position qualifies as non-exempt under FLSA. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.