Instructional Assistant

Join Our Classroom Team Today, Start the New School Year Strong!
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference and Inspire Starts Now. Were hiring paraprofessionals and classroom support staff for immediate hire to work with students who need specialized support. These roles are focused on SPED classrooms and are ideal for those looking to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact all year long. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.
Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

???? About Zen Educate
At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students. When you join Zen, youre not just taking an assignment, youre joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs

Our Instructional Assistants are fundamental to a smoothly running classroom, providing practical support that allows teachers to focus on instruction, while also offering encouragement and guidance to students throughout the school day.

Responsibilities:
- Assisting licensed staff in the classroom
- Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP)
- Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning
- Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
- Provide support for students in crisis
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed
- Celebrate the students youre working with
- Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:
- This role requires travel throughout Chicago city limits, so candidates must live in Chicago or within an easy local commute.
- 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam
- 1+ years experience working with children with special needs
- Applicants must have professional proficiency in English
- US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time.

Physical Requirements:
- Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
- Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
- Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications:
- Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional (PARA) endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- Previous experience working in special education
- Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
- Crisis prevention (CPI) training
- CPR certification

Salary
Pay: $27 per hour, paid weekly
Schedule: Minimum two days throughout Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).

Benefits and other offerings

- Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
- Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
- Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
- 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.

Ready to shape the future of learning? Apply today and help every student reach their full potential

Ref: #CHITAZA-Oct26