McLean County Unit District No. 5

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Paraprofessional - Special Education
Location:   Colene Hoose Elementary
Department:     Building Personnel
Reports to:       Principal/Assistant Principal
FLSA Class: Non-Exempt
FTE:   4.0

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team at Colene Hoose Elementary as a Paraprofessional. This full-time position is designed for someone who is committed to supporting students and teachers in a dynamic educational environment.

Responsibilities

Presents subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using lectures, discussions, or supervised role-playing methods.
Establishes, as fully as possible, a supportive and sympathetic relationship with the student(s) without fostering or encouraging intense emotional involvement.
Serves as a resource person, if and when requested, to the student personnel evaluation team conferring about one of the students to whom assigned.
Supervises students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums, or on field trips.
Conducts demonstrations to teach such skills as sports, dancing, and handicrafts.
Distributes teaching materials such as textbooks, workbooks, papers, and pencils to students.
Enforces administration policies and rules governing students.
Completes required reports in a timely manner.
Teaches socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
Works with students with multiple physical, mental, and developmental disabilities.
Is familiar with and uses adaptive equipment including, communication equipment, wheel chairs, adaptive feeding tools, etc.
Assists students with self-care, hygiene, and feeding as necessary.
May be required to perform tasks that students are not able to do, i.e. taking notes, handling materials, holding books, etc.
May work with/handle resistive students.
Serves as the chief source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teachers.
Assists the classroom teacher in other tasks necessary in maintaining a professional and positive classroom environment, and performs other teacher aide duties as may be assigned by the classroom teacher, administration or Board of Education.

Requirements

- High school diploma or equivalent. Must have a paraprofessional license (See link below on info how to obtain your license through ROE#17)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with students, parents, and staff.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in helping students succeed.
- Proficiency in basic computer skills.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and assist students with mobility challenges if necessary. In addition, employee must be able to push/pull up to 10lbs.

https://roe17.org/licensure/paraprofessional-license-information-para

(Direct questions about para license to ROE17 1-309-888-5120)

Please note: Start date will be given once paraprofessional license is obtained and all backgrounds and required paperwork are complete.

All employees must pass state & federal background checks.

Compensation

Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision available.

Per the 2026-2027 Teaching Assistant Salary Schedule, the starting pay range is $19.48 - $22.40 per hour and is based upon experience.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Paraprofessional - Special Education - SS2