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Inclusion Aide Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Inclusion Aide information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$9

$16

$22

How much do inclusion aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for inclusion aide in Springfield, IL is $16.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $17.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I do if I can't walk?

Inclusion Aides and similar roles often involve supporting individuals with disabilities and can sometimes be performed with accommodations such as sitting or using assistive devices. Many office-based or remote jobs, like administrative support, customer service, or data entry, do not require walking and can be suitable options depending on the individual's abilities and workplace accommodations.

What are Inclusion Aides?

Inclusion Aides are educational professionals who support students with diverse learning needs in mainstream classrooms. Their primary role is to help students with disabilities or special needs participate fully in classroom activities alongside their peers. Inclusion Aides collaborate with teachers to adapt lessons, provide individualized support, and foster an inclusive learning environment. They also assist with communication, social skills, and behavior management to ensure all students can succeed academically and socially.

What is the difference between Inclusion Aide vs Classroom Assistant?

AspectInclusion AideClassroom Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer special education trainingUsually requires a high school diploma; some positions may need additional training or certification
Work EnvironmentSupports students with special needs within inclusive classroomsAssists teachers in general education classrooms, supporting student learning
Employer & IndustrySchools, special education programsSchools, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonInclusion Aide vs Classroom Assistant

The main difference between an Inclusion Aide and a Classroom Assistant lies in their focus and training. Inclusion Aides primarily support students with special needs within inclusive classrooms, often requiring specialized training in special education. Classroom Assistants generally assist teachers across various classroom activities, supporting general education students. Both roles are vital in educational settings but serve different student populations and may have different certification requirements.

What companies hire special needs adults?

Many organizations and companies, including non-profits, government agencies, and private businesses, hire special needs adults for various roles such as inclusion aides, support staff, or entry-level positions. These employers often focus on creating inclusive work environments and may require specific training or certifications related to working with individuals with disabilities.

How does an Inclusion Aide typically collaborate with classroom teachers and support staff to meet individual student needs?

Inclusion Aides work closely with classroom teachers and support staff to ensure students with diverse needs are fully supported in mainstream educational settings. They participate in regular planning meetings, help adapt lesson materials, and provide feedback on student progress. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Inclusion Aides often coordinate with special education professionals and therapists to implement individualized education plans (IEPs). This collaborative approach helps create a supportive and accessible learning environment for every student.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inclusion Aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inclusion Aide, you need a solid understanding of special education practices, child development, and often a relevant certificate or associate degree. Familiarity with assistive technology, individualized education programs (IEPs), and classroom management systems is typically required. Patience, empathy, strong communication, and collaboration skills help Inclusion Aides support diverse learners and foster positive classroom environments. These competencies are essential for effectively promoting student participation, well-being, and academic growth in inclusive educational settings.

What is a special education inclusion aide?

A special education inclusion aide is a school staff member who supports students with disabilities within general education classrooms. They assist with classroom activities, help implement individualized education plans (IEPs), and promote an inclusive learning environment, often working under the supervision of teachers and requiring relevant training or certification.

What is the role of an inclusion assistant?

An inclusion aide supports students with diverse learning needs by assisting teachers in implementing inclusive practices and ensuring all students have access to learning. They may help with classroom activities, behavior management, and providing personalized support, often working under the supervision of special education or classroom teachers.
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Inclusion Aide jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Inclusion Aide job openings:
Infographic showing various Inclusion Aide job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,286 per year, or $16 per hour.
Child Welfare Specialist

$57K - $60K/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois
Effective Date: March 1, 2024
NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Child Welfare Specialist
Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT
Immediate Supervisor: Program Manager
Salary Range: $57,079 - $60,079
Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS’ Full-Time Employee Benefits.

Essential Functions:
  1. Primarily responsible for overseeing children and families assigned to Lutheran Child and Family Services for providing child welfare services which includes monitoring the child’s well-being, the birth parents progress towards reunification, facilitating home visits and communicating appropriate information to foster families in their efforts to assist the child and birth parents. Transport child and parents at times in own vehicle. May work evening and some weekends in order to complete tasks. May travel to high-risk communities. Provide on-call services as assigned.
  2. Exercises discretion and sound judgment in performance of duties in conformance with applicable policies, procedures, statutes, rules and regulations.
  3. Implementation and referral of individualized and targeted services for youth and families, such as counseling, respite, mentoring, educational support, case management, crisis intervention, and continual language to services to meet the specialize needs of children/families.
  4. Collaborate regularly with multi-disciplinary teams and partners for continuous quality improvement, interventions, service delivery and the achievement of program outcomes.
  5. Actively participate in System of Care including the regular participation in clinical and medical staffing’s and level of care.
  6. Actively participate in regular supervision, mediation, problem resolution, and crisis response by effectively responding to parent, child, provider and other stakeholder concerns and demonstrating the ability to effectively manage crisis and difficult case situations. (This includes on-call support.)
  7. Assesses and maintains knowledge of child welfare and population specific laws, policies and trends for recommending program adjustments and implementation that aides program effectiveness, children, families and communities.
  8. Achieve organizational performance outcomes on Key performance indicators metrics/dashboard towards safety, permanency, well-being and overall agency performance outcomes
  9. Represents clients’ needs and Agency interest to referral sources, DCFS, the judicial system and governmental agencies.
  10. Continuously assesses the child’s needs related to safety, education, medical and social and psychological well-being. Prepares accurate, timely required written, and verbal reports to the court and collateral contact information as appropriate upholding all consents and confidentiality issues. Handles all crisis situation and client complains with sensitivity and consults with supervisory chain when appropriate to resolve the matter.
  11. Complies with all requirements regarding utilization of the DCFS electronic record-keeping system (SACWIS). Prepares written service plans for each client as required by DCFS contract. Maintains up-to-date and accurate client files and databases, as required by agency/programmatic policies and procedures, professional standards, and external requirements of all relevant, regulatory, licensing, or accrediting body’s. Implements, continuous quality improvement in all aspects of performance.
  12. Engages the child, the birth parents, and the foster parents in competently assessing the dynamics of the relationships and establishes a therapeutic alliance. Teaches effective parenting skills specific to the needs of the child and family.
  13. Maintains knowledge of community resources and coordinates appropriate referrals and follow up as needed and required for child, birth, parents, and foster parents. Establishes collaborative relationships with agency team members such as Case Aide, other child, welfare, specialists, service, providers, and institutions.
  14. Provides a welcoming and receptive environment in all contacts with clients, agency, staff and collateral contacts. Develops understanding and continuously develops self-awareness related to diversity, inclusion, and equity issues.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
  • Ability to drive one’s own vehicle and transport children, youth, and adults as needed.
  • In-depth knowledge of child welfare systems, regulations, and best practices.
  • Strong case management skills, including assessments, service planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Ability to advocate for children's rights and best interests within the child welfare system.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families, children, professionals, and agencies.
  • Ability to provide crisis intervention and support to children and families facing challenging circumstances.
Background and Driving Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver’s license within the past three years.
Education and Experience:
Bachelors in a related human service field with 1 year of related experience in child welfare, case management, or a related role, with a demonstrated track record of expertise in specialized child and family services. A Child Welfare Employee License (CWEL) in IL is required. (Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in English and Spanish preferred.)
Physical Demands and Other Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver’s license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.
Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:
  • Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
  • Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
  • Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.
  • Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.
  • Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.
LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer