Paraprofessional

The Menta Education Group
Hillside, IL
On-siteCareer-pivot friendly

Who this role is best for

Aimed at entry-level to mid-level support professionals who can manage high-risk special needs students in a structured, collaborative school environment. The role emphasizes behavioral management, safety, and working within a 10-month school calendar in Hillside, IL.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with experience in mental health or special needs education and strong behavioral management skills
    — “Experience working in mental health, schools, residential youth facilities, or juvenile justice preferred”
  • Individuals who thrive in small classroom settings with a maximum of 10 students
    — “Hiring for All Grade Levels K-21, Small Self-Contained Rooms (10 students max)”
  • Military veterans who are adaptable and able to work under pressure
    — “Military Veterans are encouraged to apply”

Things to consider

  • The role requires adherence to a 10-month school calendar with fixed hours
    — “Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M-F, following a school calendar”
  • Strong driving skills and a clean driving record are preferred for student transportation
    — “Good driving record and willing and able to drive student van is strongly preferred”

How to stand out

  • Emphasize experience with PBIS and Restorative Practices in your resume and interview responses
    — “Menta Academy Hillside staff uses Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) and Restorative Practices”
  • Highlight your ability to manage classroom behaviors and maintain safety protocols
    — “Maintain classroom order and safety (Security)”
  • Demonstrate quick thinking and independent decision-making in your application materials
    — “Think quickly, independently, and tactfully”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • manage classroom behaviors
  • implement and maintain behavioral program policies
  • provide interventions to students
Typical background
paraprofessional experiencemental health or school support background

Skills & requirements

Required

Behavioral ManagementData CollectionIncident ResponseSafety ProtocolsSupervision

Preferred

Military ExperienceFlexibilityStress Management

Stack & domain

Behavioral SupportData ManagementSafety ManagementCommunicationProblem-solvingInitiativeTeamworkStress ManagementEducationMental HealthSpecial Needs

About the role

Original posting from The Menta Education Group via Lever

Job Description

As a Paraprofessional with The Menta Education Group, you will be responsible for working with classroom instructors and staff to offer targeted teaching and support to students in the classroom, as well as general support for all students in the school.

10 Month School Calendar

Hiring for All Grade Levels K-21, Small Self-Contained Rooms (10 students max)

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., M-F, following a school calendar

Responsibilities:

  • Provide Paraprofessional support
  • Manage classroom behaviors
  • Report behavioral concerns of students to appropriate staff
  • Implement and maintain behavioral program policies and data
  • Maintain classroom order and safety (Security)
  • Provide general supervision of students inside the school setting
  • Assist in the prevention and management of incidents of non-compliance and/or escalation in behavior
  • Maintain alertness for problems likely to disrupt the educational process or to be a safety concern and correct and report these conditions 
  • Respond to emergency situations
  • Provide interventions to students to assist in managing behaviors
  • Think quickly, independently, and tactfully

Qualifications:

  • Paraprofessional experience is helpful
  • Experience working in mental health, schools, residential youth facilities, or juvenile justice preferred 
  • Military Veterans are encouraged to apply
  • Ability to operate tactfully under stress
  • Flexibility to change in routines
  • At least 23 years of age
  • Able to work with high-risk special needs students
  • Good driving record and willing and able to drive student van is strongly preferred

Compensation & Benefits:

  • In accordance with the Pay Transparency amendment to the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003, information about pay ranges and employee benefits can be found at the following links:
  • Compensation Information:
  • https://menta.com/compensation-arizona-and-illinois/
  • Please refer to the "Classroom Support" section for this position's category
  • Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off (PTO); and a 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match. For more information visit: https://menta.com/employee-benefits-full-time/

About Menta Academy Hillside

At Menta Academy Hillside, we hold the key to unlocking the vast potential within every student through a dedicated, holistic approach to education. Our mission is grounded in the '3-C Ready' philosophy, ensuring that every learner is prepared for the challenges of College, Career, and Citizenship. This isn't just a slogan; it's a commitment that permeates every aspect of our learning environment. We recognize that each child's journey is unique, which is why our educational services are tailored to the developmental and individual learning needs of each student.

The classrooms at Menta Academy Hillside are vibrant hubs of activity and engagement. Our educators curate a dynamic curriculum that transcends traditional learning, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. This approach ensures that students are not only absorbing knowledge but are also applying it in real-world contexts, thus becoming active participants in their educational journey. With a focus on continuous growth, our students are encouraged to strive for academic excellence and behavioral success, underpinned by consistent support and recognition of their achievements.

At Hillside, our motto is “We are Better Together!” Our team of highly educated teachers and administrative staff work diligently to ensure that each student is given individualized educational support and a consistent therapeutic learning environment. With our “better together” mindset, we put a focus on community outreach, collaboration, and partnership to provide various opportunities for our students to succeed. This is done through college visits, career exploration events, community service opportunities, and outside speakers and presentations.

Menta Academy Hillside staff uses Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) and Restorative Practices to reinforce positive and appropriate behaviors and relationships in our students. We work with students to help determine motivators to reward encouraged behavior in and out of school.

Professional Associations and/or Partnerships

The Menta Education Group affiliates are members/partners with CEC, CASE, Autism Speaks, ASBA, AAPSEC, AASA, CCSSO, SEAA, ASCD, and many more associations that focus on the education of children with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Menta Education Group (“Menta”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, gender identity and gender expression), color, national origin, religion, age, pregnancy or related conditions, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability or any other basis protected under federal, state or local law.   Any individual needing assistance in making an application for any opening should contact Menta’s office.

Source: The Menta Education Group careers (Lever)

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