Accessibility Aide

Paramount School of the Arts, a non-profit school that teaches theater, music, and dance in both private and group settings is seeking Accessibility Aides. Paramount School of the Arts is a part of Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), an innovative organization located on the Fox River in the heart of the richly diverse community of historic Aurora, Illinois (one hour from downtown Chicago). The organization operates four venues: the 6,000-person RiverEdge Park, the 1,843-seat landmark Paramount Theatre, the 165-seat Copley Theatre and Stolp Island Theatre: a 9,000 square foot development that includes an intimate 98-seat 4,600-square-foot theater. ACCA produces and presents over 500 performances each year, including star-studded touring productions and a self-produced Broadway Series of musicals, and the self-produced Bold Series for an annual audience of 350,000 patrons from over 250 communities. It also includes the John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, where Paramount School of the Arts operates, rehearsal spaces, and guest artist apartments.

The Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by:

●making the performing arts accessible for every age, ability, and socioeconomic background,

●introducing the magic of live theater across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world,

●and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.

The highest purpose of any theater is to inspire its community toward a more perfect humanity. Such humanity can exist only when every member of the community is included and valued, empowered and heard. To express this truth, ACCA commits its leaders, volunteers, artists and staff to the active, continual and accountable pursuit of the following principles: equity, inclusion, and diversity.

DEPARTMENT – Education and Community Engagement

DIRECT REPORTING – Education Manager

WORKS CLOSELY WITH – Education Department & Teaching Artists

POSITION STATUS & SCHEDULE – Part-time, per class; hours vary in the evenings. Aide assignments are for the week (summer schedule) or semester (14 weeks in the fall - 16 weeks in the spring)

COMPENSATION – $25 per hour

HIRE DATE – Ongoing

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and ABILITIES –
We are looking for aides who can help foster a brave and supportive space for students with varying accommodation requests and needs, which include, but are not limited to our neurodiverse students, differently abled students, and students with mobility accessibility needs. The Accessibility Aide will develop positive relationships with their students while sharing their passion for the arts.

We are seeking to employ aides who are pursuing an education in special education and learning behavioral specializations, or who have previous experience with a neurodiverse community.

The ideal candidate should possess a blend of specialized skills, empathy, and an understanding of both the performing arts and accessibility needs.

The ideal candidate will possess the following job skills:
●Strong communication skills
●Understanding of accessibility needs of PSA students
●Empathy and patience
●Able to adjust quickly and easily to new situations and challenges
●Basic understanding of the performing arts
●Teamwork and collaboration
●Organizational skills
●Comfortable advocating for the student you are assisting and empowering the student to experience the class as fully as possible
●Training and experience in accessibility services
●Positive attitude and enthusiasm

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES –
●Support students with accommodation needs during classes, rehearsals, and performances.
●Assist with mobility and physical needs for students with physical support needs.
●Facilitate communication using student specific communication aids.
●Collaborate with instructors and creative teams to ensure inclusivity in artistic activities, while promoting an inclusive environment through understanding and cooperation.
●Manage sensory needs, while utilizing calm spaces or sensory-friendly adjustments.
●Monitor and assess student progress and communicate with teachers and the education administrative team.
●Encourage independence and confidence in students’ artistic abilities.
●Provide emotional and behavioral support in high-stress situations.
●Advocate for students' needs, ensuring their voices are heard.
●Stay informed on current accessibility practices.

In addition to the duties listed above, ACCA expects the following of each employee: adheres to ACCA’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets productivity standards; participates in ACCA events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

TO APPLY – To apply, please submit a resume and/or CV as well as 3 references using the online job application

https://paramountaurora.com/sc...

Physical copies can be mailed/delivered to the following address: Paramount School of the Arts, 20 S. Stolp Ave. Aurora, IL 60506.

ACCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ACCA encourages
people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who are eager to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

ACCA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, ACCA is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating the employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.