Teaching Assistant - Transition Services for Empowering Young Adults with Special Needs in Lake County Schools

Join Our Mission to Inspire the Passion to Learn and Make a Difference

Lake Forest High School, part of Lake County Schools, is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Teaching Assistant - Transition Services to support our students with special needs. As a Teaching Assistant, you will play a vital role in our strength-based approach to preparing young adults (18-22 years old) for post-secondary success and independent living. Our West Campus in Lake Forest is a dynamic and inclusive environment where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.

About Us

Lake Forest Transition is committed to fostering inclusive learning experiences, person-centered planning, community engagement, and career pathways. Our team is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential and achieve their goals. As a Teaching Assistant - Transition Services, you will be an integral part of our team, working closely with certified teachers, related services faculty, and other support staff to provide a comprehensive and supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as an instructional assistant to the classroom teacher, adapting classroom activities, assignments, and materials to support and reinforce curricula and IEP objectives.
• Administer classwork, tests, homework, and make-up work under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Communicate with instructional staff, work site staff, and professional support personnel to implement IEP goals and objectives.
• Implement research-based interventions and best practices to present and reinforce learning concepts.
• Assist with evaluating student skills and data collection to monitor student IEP goals.
• Intervene in potential conflicts using appropriate physical and therapeutic approaches to defuse confrontations and minimize disruptions.
• Prepare and maintain instructional materials, manuals, and electronic files/records.
• Monitor and implement students' daily schedules, ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
• Assist with implementing behavior management plans, including Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and positive behavioral strategies.
• Support students with toileting, transferring, and other personal care needs while maintaining dignity and confidentiality.
• Escort students to and from events, activities, and other programming, including loading and unloading from buses or school vehicles.
• Drive students using district vehicles to and from events and activities related to course learning objectives.
• Provide instruction to students in individual and group settings to reinforce instructional, functional, and vocational objectives.
• Attend meetings and in-service presentations to acquire and convey information related to job functions.
• Assist with general office clerical tasks, such as filing and copying, as related to IEP records management.
• Help students develop, learn, and self-monitor social skills, executive functioning skills, and social-emotional skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information and adhere to Board of Education policies and procedures.

Essential Qualifications and Skills

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Illinois Paraprofessional licensure (required)
• Experience working with children and/or adolescents with disabilities (preferred)
• Experience with office and school-based management systems (preferred)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, creativity, and organizational skills
• Ability to react appropriately in crisis situations
• Physical and emotional stamina to support students with diverse needs

What We Offer

As a Teaching Assistant - Transition Services with Lake County Schools, you will enjoy:

• A competitive hourly rate of $20.00
• Partial tuition reimbursement
• District-sponsored professional growth opportunities
• A stipend of $1,500 per year for some TA positions
• Health insurance options with no cost to single employees or 90% coverage for families
• Participation in IMRF and additional collectively bargained retirement benefits of up to $10,000
• Paid sick, personal, and bereavement leave

Career Growth and Learning Benefits

At Lake County Schools, we are committed to supporting your professional growth and development. As a Teaching Assistant - Transition Services, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop your skills and knowledge through district-sponsored training and professional development
• Collaborate with certified teachers and related services faculty to enhance student outcomes
• Participate in person-centered planning and community engagement initiatives

Work Environment and Culture

Lake Forest High School is a dynamic and inclusive community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Teaching Assistant - Transition Services, you will be part of a team that is passionate about empowering students to reach their full potential. Our West Campus in Lake Forest is a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork.

Join Our Team!

If you are a dedicated and compassionate professional looking for a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Teaching Assistant - Transition Services with Lake County Schools, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and contribute to our mission to inspire the passion to learn and make a difference.

To learn more about Lake Forest High School and our Transition Services program, please visit our website. We look forward to hearing from you and exploring how you can join our team to build a brighter future for our students.