Nexus Family Healing·Onarga, Illinois
The Substitute Teaching Assistant provides educational and instructional support to students within a classroom setting while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. They also supervise students, monitor behavior, and assist with residential transitions and safety protocols.
Description Nexus Family Healing is hiring Substitute Teaching Assistants for Grand Prairie School at our Onarga, IL location!
Nexus-Onarga Family Healing is located approximately 30 miles south of Kankakee and 45 miles north of Champaign-Urbana, just a few miles off of I-57 on a historic site in Onarga, IL. Nexus Onarga provides boys ages 10 to 20 years old a structured, homelike environment where they can safely address a variety of unhealthy behaviors and mental health issues as well as childhood trauma. Nexus Onarga youth attend our onsite private, therapeutic Grand Prairie School which offers special education with small classes for grades 5th-12th.
At Nexus Family Healing, we embrace diversity, promote equity, and foster inclusion. As a national mental health organization, we serve a diverse group of youth and families, and we strive for our workforce to support and represent that diversity.
of the Substitute Teaching Assistant position at Nexus-Onarga: Flexible Scheduling - on call or prescheduled days available year-round! Endless training on mental health & trauma informed care Ongoing support of a team of trained & experienced professionals Internal advancement opportunities available with further education Employee Referral Bonus program Work Schedule & Salary: Salary starts at $17-$18 per hour based on prior years of experience as a Paraprofessional.
Provide educational assistance to clients within a classroom setting. Provide one-on-one instructional support based on lesson plans. Communicate with students professionally and compassionately. Help maintain a safe, supportive learning environment. Deliver lessons and assist with assignments in the teacher’s absence. Prepare classroom materials and handouts. Assist with attendance and progress records. Supervise study halls and classrooms as needed. Collaborate with teachers to support classroom goals. Request classroom supplies as needed. Support student treatment plans and IEPs. Provide client supervision and mentorship. Monitor student behavior, redirect as needed, and assist with restraints when necessary. Support student transport to and from residential units. Promote respect for diversity across all identities and backgrounds. Serve as a compassionate, respectful, and professional role model. Continuously build knowledge in child and adolescent development to support positive youth growth. Ensure student resident safety and collaborate with co-workers to maintain an environment that is positive, respectful, clean, and safe. Ensure safety compliance across classrooms, school grounds, residential areas, and off-campus activities. Administer First Aid/CPR and follow emergency protocols. Maintain professional boundaries with student residents. Uphold privacy and confidentiality per Nexus policies. Attend staff meetings and training sessions as required by Nexus. Understand and support the Nexus philosophy and treatment modalities.
Required Education and Licensure: Minimum 21 years of age High School diploma or GED is required. Valid driver’s license required. Must meet state regulating agency and Home Office driving requirements. Must have an ISBE (Illinois State Board of Education) Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement (ELS PARA) or obtain upon hire prior to start date. Must successfully pass a DCFS criminal background check. Must be open to meeting the cultural needs of individuals or communities, considering factors such as language, traditions, and values. Preferred Experience: Previous classroom support experience. At Nexus Family Healing, our voices and actions are focused on recognizing, affirming and respecting people of every race, ethnic background, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression and faith. Our ICARE Values: Innovation: Leading the way and implementing creative, cutting-edge ideas and approaches Compassion: Listening, honoring differences, and showing respect, kindness, empathy care, and concern Agility: Exhibiting flexibility and adapting quickly Responsiveness: Being quick, positive, and accurate Excellence: Demonstrating quality results that surpass ordinary standards APPLY TODAY TO BE CONTACTED BY OUR RECRUITING TEAM! When you work at Nexus, you have the opportunity to change lives — including your own!
Market context
Substitute teaching assistant roles in Illinois are often in demand because schools need flexible classroom support throughout the year. This role is competitive for candidates who already hold the required ISBE Paraprofessional Educator Endorsement and can meet the age, diploma or GED, and valid driver’s license requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your endorsement status and availability before applying.