The purpose of this position is to provide behavioral, emotional, and academic support for students while creating, assisting with, and maintaining a safe school environment for all Knapp School and Yeshiva students and staff. The individual holding this position must be able to apply the principles of trained methodologies to provide a range of supports for students throughout the school day. They must be aware of the whereabouts of students at all times and be able to physically intervene using trained methods to reduce the risk of harm to students and/or staff in the event of unsafe behaviors. They will perform all duties as assigned under the supervision of classroom teachers and school and organizational administration.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Maintain a controlled, calm, helpful, and appropriate demeanor during crisis situations and post-crisis debriefs. Use appropriate language for the school setting and maintain professional boundaries with students and staff.

• Be familiar with and assist in implementing students’ crisis support plans, including elopement protocols.

• Remain present and available at the designated work location/station throughout the entire scheduled shift unless directed otherwise due to an assignment change or crisis. Communicate location via radio and make plans for coverage when temporarily unavailable.

• Assist teachers in the classroom during instruction, including small-group, whole-group, and individual activities, as well as with behavior management and crisis situations.

• Help supervise lunch during the lunch period with the assigned classroom teacher.

• Successfully complete and maintain certification in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (CPI) and Ukeru.

• Utilize interventions prescribed by CPI and Collaborative Problem Solving to provide support for students, with the goal of reducing the likelihood of a crisis situation and de-escalating critical situations. Utilization of CPI methods may include manually restraining students of varying heights, weights, and strength capacities should they become physically out of control and pose a danger to themselves or others. This task may involve taking a student from a standing position to the floor, deflecting and/or absorbing blows, bumps, kicks, spitting, and other physically aggressive acts, and moving furniture or other large, heavy objects to clear a space in which the student can be safely restrained.

• Effectively intervene in students’ challenging behaviors using CPI-prescribed methods to de-escalate critical situations.

• Maintain radio communication with staff and administration, ensuring that the radio is turned on and audible and remains on the employee’s person at all times.

• Communicate with administration regarding crisis situations, as applicable. Complete all required post-crisis documentation in accordance with school policy.

• Execute lesson plans as assigned by the classroom teacher(s).

• Participate and cooperate in special events, activities, parent/teacher conferences, and other activities as deemed necessary by school administration.

Additional Job Responsibilities

• Represent JCFS and its programs in a positive manner to both internal and external contacts.

• Adhere to all applicable company policies and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Respect student confidentiality, as defined by HIPAA and FERPA.

Requirements

• Must be able to successfully complete CPI and Ukeru training and maintain the required credentials.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

• ISBE Certified Paraprofessional or able to obtain the necessary credentials within 30 days of hire.

• Prior experience working with students with disabilities, more specifically ED, ASD, or OHI populations.

• At least one year of related experience preferred.

What You’ll Love About Us

Time Off: Paid time off varies by position and includes vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.

Benefits: Benefit eligibility begins when working full time and includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with base contribution and match; additional health and wellness benefits; financial benefits; professional training; tuition reimbursement; six weeks of paid parental leave; and much more.

Compensation: The minimum compensation for this position is $45,430 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on experience.

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Jewish Child and Family Services is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) employer. JCFS prohibits illegal discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, source of income, housing status, military service or discharge status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected category established by law, statute, or ordinance.

Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, licensed by DCFS.

Please visit us at http://www.jcfs.org