Job Description
Position: Academic Support Specialist | Paraprofessional Location: Woodridge Interventions | 2221 64th St. | Woodridge, IL 60517 Salary: $20.00 per hour Job Type: Full-time 196 day per year working position/8 hour days M-F. About Us Located on the campus of Woodridge Interventions in Woodridge, Illinois, Meridian North is an ISBE-approved non-public special education and alternative education program designed to support students who have not been successful in traditional school settings. Meridian North provides a structured, supportive, and therapeutic learning environment for students who may be experiencing behavioral challenges, risk of expulsion, substance use concerns, court involvement, probation involvement, or other barriers impacting their educational progress. Our program focuses on four core areas of service: academic instruction, behavioral support, social-emotional development, and reintegration/transition planning. Through individualized education planning, daily structure, behavioral accountability, and coordinated therapeutic support, Meridian North works to help students stabilize, make academic progress, and develop the skills needed to successfully transition back to their district or next appropriate placement. As a dual diagnosis program, Meridian North is designed to address both educational and behavioral health needs, including substance use concerns, while maintaining a strong focus on safety, accountability, and student growth. Benefits & Perks: We provide a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that offers the protection, peace of mind and flexibility designed to support you – both at home and at work. Medical & Dental & Vision Insurance Flexible Spending Accounts Basic Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance 401(k) Life Assistance Program (LAP) Tuition Assistance Program Paid Time Off (PTO) Paid Holidays Paid Training Advancement Opportunities Academic Support Specialist | Job Responsibilities: Provide a full range of educational, recreational and therapeutic services directed toward the education and well-being of students Substitute teaching as needed for other classroom-based academic classes such as Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Sciences Participate and supervise students throughout their daily activities Provide leadership and serve as a role-model for students in their academic activities Provide safety and care to our students throughout the school day Report significant changes in behavior, attitude or physical condition to supervisors and social workers Interact with educational and therapeutic staff to ensure overall goals are accomplished Participate in staff meetings regarding students and daily events Provide individualized one-on-one academic assistance in a variety of subjects for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP) in order to achieve a level of performance and comprehension that is in line with IEP goals and expectations Assist in planning, organizing and facilitating in-school activities/events as well a off-campus field trips Work alongside the social workers on the transition team to encourage and facilitate involvement in outside educational, transitional, and work-based programs Provide supervision and transportation to/from other various activities, organized sports, and after school programs that our students participate in Serve as the instructor for online learning classes of multiple subjects such as Consumer Education, History, Algebra, Geometry, Cosmetology, Theatre, English, etc. This also entails: Taking attendance Keeping track of and reporting student grades Providing further instruction and/or assistance with unfamiliar topics Monitoring the progress and activity of each individual student Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four year college/university. Paraprofessional license with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) or willingness to obtain - Substitute teaching license with ISBE or willingness to obtain. Ability to work with computers and the necessary software typically used by the department. Other Qualifications: At least twenty-one (21) years of age. Criminal clearances (State Police, Local, FBI, DCFS and National Sex Offender Registry clearances). Non-communicable diseases physical exam. Valid driver's license. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening. Successful compl