Temporary Lab Assistant

Elgin Community College; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 22,041 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Elgin Community College seeks a temporary assistant to ensure equal access for students with disabilities. You will attend classes, support physical task needs, and follow individualized directions in a supportive, confidential role.

You will read, write what the student dictates, describe visuals, and help with assignments while adhering to safety and privacy standards. Hours vary to fit department needs, including some evenings or weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience in the specified subject area as described in the job posting.
• Strong verbal and written communication to assist students with disabilities.
• Ability to follow multi-step directions reliably.
• Ability to describe visuals and verbally read for students as needed.
• Good organization to meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for diverse populations.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow privacy laws.
• Flexibility to work days, evenings, or weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
• Aid with physical mechanics and dexterity needs during class activities.
• Attend the class session for the student and coordinate times as needed.
• Read aloud materials, write down dictated information, and describe visuals.
• Move/adjust lab equipment and assist with lab tasks as directed by the student.
• Execute only tasks directed by the student; act as a tool, not a teacher.
• Follow all safety procedures and maintain privacy standards.

Skills

Subject-area experience

Verbal & written comms

Follow multi-step directions

Descriptive communication

Attention to detail

Diversity sensitivity

Confidentiality

Flexible schedule

Job description

About ECC:

Elgin Community College serves over 9,000 students at every stage of their educational journeys, including university transfer programs, career and technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we pride ourselves on nurturing a welcoming campus where every person—students, staff members, faculty members, and campus visitors—feels valued. The work of each ECC employee is central to the college’s mission, and as an employer, the college fosters a positive environment through professional challenges, excellent benefits, and opportunities for recognition and camaraderie.

Work Schedule:

Varies. Based on the students’ schedules.

Rate of Pay:

$16 per hour

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Grant Funded:

No

Job Summary:

This temporary position performs work of moderate difficulty by ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities. Work is distinguished by attending the class sessions and providing assistance to students with disabilities with the physical mechanics and dexterity requirements of class activities. General supervision is provided by assigned manager

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 1. Must have previous experience and knowledge in the specified subject area.
• 2. Considerable skills in verbal and written communication to accurately and legibly scribe for students and accurately read for students.
• 3. Ability to follow multi-step directions; highly reliable.
• 4. Ability to express verbally what is seen in a descriptive manner.
• 5. Working skill in organizing work to meet established deadlines while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.
• 6. Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and respect of diverse populations within the College.
• 7. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
• 8. Ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

N/A

Essential Duties:

• 1. Ensure equal access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
• 2. Aid students with disabilities with the physical mechanics and dexterity requirements of class activities (e.g., lifting, pouring, writing, typing, etc.).
• 3. Attend the class in which the student with a disability is enrolled. Must be available to attend the entire class session and meet with the student at other established times during the week. Lab assistants cannot be enrolled in the same course level of the students they are assisting. Lab assistants will follow directions provided by the student with a disability and will not contribute to the content of the course or be responsible for teaching the material to the student with a disability.
• 4. The services are individually designed and based on the specific needs of each student:
  • a. Read aloud academically required materials.
  • b. Write down information as dictated by the student.
  • c. Describe visual information.
  • d. Assist with completing in-class assignments, tests, quizzes, and other course materials on paper and on the computer as described by the student.
  • e. Adjust/move lab equipment, lift lab materials, pour lab materials, and perform other lab duties as described by the student.
  • f. Will perform only those tasks directed by the student.
  • g. Are used as a tool, not a teacher or tutor.
  • h. Will not prompt or guide a student in performing a lab/class task.
  • i. Must follow all class/lab safety procedures.
• 5. Maintain confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to applicable privacy laws and ethical standards.
• 6. Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and respect of diverse populations within the workplace.
• 7. Adheres to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality

Other Duties:

Adhere to department guidelines for attendance and punctuality including ability to work a flexible schedule, which includes days/evenings/weekends as needed by the department.

Physical Demands:

Medium (up to 50 lbs. occasionally or 30 lbs frequently or 10 lbs constantly)

Visual Acuity:

Close visual acuity (e.g. computer, assembly)

Work Environment:

Moderate noise

Environmental Conditions:

Typical office or administrative

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Elgin Community College does not discriminate, or tolerate discrimination, against any member of its community on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender/gender identity, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law in matters of admissions, employment, or in any aspect of the educational programs or activities it offers.

In addition, Elgin Community College provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to employment practices, educational opportunities, and programs and services. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the College’s EEO/AA Officer. Determinations on request for a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case‑by‑case basis.