Title: Paraprofessional - Molloy Education Center (Therapeutic Day School) and Satellite Programs (Instructional Special Education Classrooms in General Education Settings)

Position/Role Summary: A Paraprofessional supports certified teachers and/or related service personnel by assisting with instruction, daily living skills, and other activities that promote student independence. Paraprofessionals work with students who receive special education services across NTDSE therapeutic day school and satellite program settings.

Qualifications:

Illinois Paraprofessional License (ELS–PARA) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education or eligibility to obtain one.
Experience working with children or adolescents in educational, childcare, behavioral, or therapeutic settings preferred.

Evaluator: NTDSE Administrator

Why NTDSE: NTDSE values collaborative teams, innovative programming, and ongoing professional learning to ensure students and staff thrive.

Responsibilities:

Assists students with the implementation of the instructional program under the direction of a certified staff member.
Provide individual remedial or enrichment support to students under the direction of a certified staff member.
Assists with large group instruction as directed by the certified staff member.
Supports students with daily living skills, including feeding by mouth, tube feeding, changing, and brushing teeth.
Lifts and transports students as needed in accordance with safe lifting procedures and training.
No mobility restrictions. The ability to be agile in the following areas (running, climbing, jumping, bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, etc.)
Assists with students' toileting needs, if appropriate.
Assists with supervising students during non-instructional times.
Implements the classroom’s behavior management program and individual students’ behavior plans.
Assists students during crisis situations by utilizing appropriate Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques and other de-escalation strategies.
Demonstrates knowledge of first aid, health protocols, and emergency response procedures.
Participates in professional learning and collaborative team meetings.
Supports students during inclusionary opportunities in a general education setting.
Communicates students' learning and behavioral difficulties to the teacher.
Serves as a source of information and support to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the teacher or paraprofessional.
Assist the teacher in classroom clerical duties such as copying, filing, etc.
Participates in staff meetings (as appropriate) and in-service training programs.
Works with the principal, teachers, and other building staff to foster a positive and efficient school atmosphere.
Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and the confidentiality of student information.
Observes and follows all Cooperative policies and procedures.
Demonstrates professionalism and ethical conduct.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Follows policies and procedures established by NTDSE, partner districts, and the IL School Code.

Communication Skills

Communicates in an effective, collaborative, culturally responsive, and positive manner with students, colleagues, and families.
Acts as an integral member of the multidisciplinary educational team.
Maintains confidentiality in matters related to this position.
Builds and maintains positive relationships with students, families, staff, and community partners.
Serves as a positive ambassador for NTDSE.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:**** This position requires the ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with reasonable accommodations available as needed. Regular activities include standing, walking, sitting, bending, writing, typing, speaking, and listening, with occasional reaching, twisting, or climbing, and the ability to maintain close, peripheral, and distant vision.

Work is conducted in a variety of educational and office settings, including classrooms, therapy rooms, and administrative offices. The role may involve lifting, using standard office equipment and technology, and frequent interaction with staff and students. This description complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and may be reviewed as program needs evolve.

Terms of Employment:

School year calendar with the option to work Extended School Year (ESY).

Compensation and Benefits:

Per the Niles Township Federation of Special Education Educators and Support Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Application Procedure:

Apply online at www.ntdse.org. Click the “Employment Tab”

Application Deadline: July 1, 2026