Duties
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
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.
Salary/Benefits
Salary: $60,000-68,000/yr.
Paraprofessional Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance
- 401(k)
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Access to finding childcare & applying for financial assistance
How to Apply
Please submit resume to : careers@orchardvillage.org