Pay: $22.00 per hour
Job description:
Orchard Academy is seeking an energetic and professional Paraprofessional / Job Coach / Teacher Assistant to support young adults aged 17–21 as they transition from high school into independent adulthood. This unique hybrid role combines instructional classroom support with active, community-based mentorship. Rather than operating inside a traditional classroom all day, you will accompany students directly into the community to foster job readiness, independent living, and social-emotional development. You will work collaboratively with our academic team and full-time social worker to help students satisfy their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and build lasting self-determination.
Why Join Our Team?
Dynamic Work Environment: Your classroom is the community, where you will guide students through real-world internships, public transit navigation, grocery shopping, and recreational activities.Measurable Community Impact: You directly empower capable young adults to master executive functioning skills, secure competitive employment, and prepare for independent living.Excellent Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a reliable, predictable daytime schedule with paid regular school breaks and holidays.Paraprofessional Responsibilities:
Instructional & Life Skills Coaching
Provide individualized instructional support to reinforce the academic curriculum, life skills, and transition topics designed by the teacher.Coach students in practical life skills lessons, including culinary arts, food safety, financial budgeting, and personal resource management.Guide students in developing executive functioning and social-emotional skills necessary to navigate challenging everyday environments.Assist students with varying physical or behavioral disabilities according to their individual needs, promoting personal care, self-regulation, and hygiene independence.Job Coaching & Community Mentorship
Serve as a professional role model while mentoring students during non-paid community internships and job readiness training.Accompany and actively supervise students during community-based outings, service learning projects, and travel training experiences.Assist students with college preparation activities, campus exploration, and navigating post-secondary aspirations.Compliance, Administrative, & Team Collaboration
Work alongside the full-time social worker and academic staff to implement and reinforce targeted IEP transition goals.Collect accurate student performance data, maintain instructional charts, and communicate changes in behavior or general health directly to the teacher.Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records and family information in compliance with institutional and legal standards.Support the teacher by preparing necessary instructional materials, setting up classroom areas, and managing program equipment.Participate in staff development training programs, collaborative faculty meetings, and special academy events.Qualifications and Requirements:
Education: Associate’s degree or higher is preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required.Certification: Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Certification is preferred or required based on state guidelines.Experience: Two years of experience working in special education or supporting neurodiverse learning profiles is highly preferred.Licensure: Must possess a valid Driver’s License.Training: Ability to successfully complete and maintain required certifications in First Aid, CPR, and Crisis Management.Key Skills: Strong collaborative communication skills, an active mindset, and comfort with daily walking and traveling throughout the local community.Paraprofessional Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance401(k)Employee assistance programPaid time offReferral programTuition reimbursementAccess to finding childcare & applying for financial assistanceVisit https://orchardvillage.org/positions-available/