Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional Position

Meridian CUSD 223 is seeking a paraprofessional for Meridian Jr High. Compensation is $16.81/hr with 10 sick days, 2 personal days, and 10 paid holidays. Benefits include access to partially district-paid health and dental, as well as vision, accident, hospital indemnity, long term disability, critical care, and term/whole life insurances. The position reports to the building principal and supports the district's mission to instruct and assist students to be self-directed learners, collaborative workers, complex thinkers, quality producers, and community contributors.

Qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, paraprofessional endorsement on an educator license issued by the Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, evidence of physical fitness and freedom from communicable disease, and successful completion of a criminal background check. Required knowledge, skills, and abilities include effective oral and written communication skills, the ability to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions, fostering a cooperative work environment, working with students and adults in a positive manner, physical and emotional ability to perform job responsibilities, regular attendance and punctuality, good moral character, and skills in the use of office computer equipment, related software applications, and other standard office machines.

Responsibilities include implementing the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals, prompt arrival and full effort throughout the duration of every shift, reporting suspected child abuse/neglect cases, working cooperatively with school personnel, students, and parents, maintaining accurate records, maintaining student discipline, assisting the teacher with classroom instructional tasks, working with students individually and in small groups, observing student behavior and learning, assisting with clerical work, record keeping, and preparation of instructional materials, assisting with classroom cleanup, assisting students with movement among activities, assisting students with the use of specialized equipment, assisting the teacher with supervision of students, communicating with parents, accompanying and assisting the teacher in supervision on approved instructional field trips, arranging furniture and equipment for various learning activities, maintaining the orderly arrangement of materials and equipment within the classroom, assisting students with preparing for and moving to other classrooms, school activities, outside activities, and arrival and departure from school, helping young students or students with disabilities with clothing, grooming, health habits, and bathroom activities, communicating to the teacher any unusual situations or needs of students, assisting the teacher in managing interruptions and emergencies, maintaining a safe working condition, safely operating electronic and other equipment, participating in in-service and workshop programs, serving as a role model for students and staff, displaying ethical and professional behavior, completing tasks in the expected or assigned time frame, protecting confidentiality of records and information, and adhering to applicable laws and guidelines.