About Us: Our goal at Easterseals Learning Academy is to empower students to achieve peak academic performance, enhance social and emotional skills, develop effective communication, and gain functional life skills for community independence. We are an approved private school by the Illinois State Board of Education, serving students ages 3-21 with Autism, emotional disabilities, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and other health impairments. School districts from all over the area contract with Easterseals to assist them in providing educational programs for children with autism and related intellectual disabilities. We provide an alternative school placement for these students and help them grow toward independence.

What We Offer:

• High Staff-to-Student Ratio: our highly trained staff and evidence-based instructional strategies provide personalized support that meets each student’s unique needs.
• Fully Equipped Learning Environment: Classrooms and therapy rooms are designed to foster growth across all areas of learning and development
• Individualized Education: Our curriculum aligns with state learning standards, while our instructional programs and services emphasize individualized approaches that help students transition back to their schools and communities.

See the Impact:

Compensation and Benefits:

Expected pay for this position is $21.00 to $22.00/hour. Actual pay will be determined by experience, skills, and internal equity. Easterseals staff have access to a well-rounded benefits package and additional perks, such as:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Sick and Personal time
  • 10 Paid Holidays throughout the year
  • All time off is in addition to Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, Easter/Spring Break, and Summer Break
• Comprehensive Group Health Insurance
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care
  • Long-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage
  • Life Insurance: Both Employer Paid and Employee Paid options are available
• 401(K) with employer match
• Professional Development & CEU Allowance
• Easterseals qualifies for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program

Position Objective: The Behavior Intervention Assistant works under the guidance of the Behavior Intervention Specialist to support the implementation of individualized behavior support strategies and interventions. This role provides direct support to students with behavioral needs, assists in data collection, and models positive behavioral practices in collaboration with classroom teams. The assistant helps reinforce student skill-building, fosters positive behaviors, and promotes a safe and supportive learning environment.

Job Functions:

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Assist with student supervision during lunch, breaks, or non-instructional times as needed.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with students, staff, and families.
• Participate in trainings related to behavior intervention and applied behavior analysis.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Behavior Intervention Specialist and Learning Academy Administration.

Education/Experience Requirements

• Valid Illinois Paraprofessional Educator License (PEL) or equivalent, required.
• Associate’s degree in education, psychology, or related field, preferred.
• Experience working with students with behavioral needs is preferred.
• Current CPI Restraint Training or willingness to complete training.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain certifications.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to document data electronically.

Competency Requirements

• Basic understanding of behavioral principles and strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive during challenging situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn intervention strategies.
• Dependability and flexibility in supporting varying student and classroom needs.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Visual acuity sufficient to read reports, data collection forms, and electronic information, as well as to monitor student behavior and environmental cues.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for handling materials, writing, typing, and operating standard office and classroom equipment.
• Regular standing, walking, sitting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and repetitive motions throughout the day.
• Ability to move swiftly and safely throughout the classroom and school environment in response to student behaviors, including navigating tight spaces and obstacles.
• Physical stamina to remain active and engaged during the school day, including supporting students in outdoor activities and during non-instructional times.
• Occasional lifting, positioning, or carrying of up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to physically support students in crisis situations using approved nonviolent crisis intervention techniques, which may include blocking, guiding, or restraining in accordance with CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or other certified training standards.
• Capacity to maintain physical and emotional composure while managing potentially intense and stressful situations.

Work Environment

• Primarily operates in school environments, including classrooms, therapy spaces, common areas, and outdoor settings.
• Regular exposure to a moderate to high level of noise and frequent interruptions typical of school and student-centered environments.
• Occasional exposure to behaviors that may include physical aggression, verbal outbursts, and other challenging behaviors requiring calm and proactive responses.
• Routinely uses standard office and classroom equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Easterseals Central Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to ensuring access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment. To request a reasonable accommodation, please call 309.686.1177.