Special Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Special Assistant roles sit at the intersection of executive support and policy coordination, making them strong candidates for H-1B visa specialty occupation sponsorship when a directly related bachelor's degree is documented. Employers in government contracting, nonprofits, and large corporations regularly file LCAs for these positions, giving international candidates a real path to U.S. employment.
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Job Number: P175713
Posting Date: Nov 11, 2026, 2:25:02 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side - 9822 South Exchange Ave (John L Marsh School)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Educator License Application
- Work Keys
- Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
INTRODUCTION
Job Number: P175713
Posting Date: Nov 11, 2026, 2:25:02 PM
Primary Location: Far South Side - 9822 South Exchange Ave (John L Marsh School)
Salary Range: $41,766.58 to $60,584.36
JOB DESCRIPTION -
CLASS TITLE: Special Education Classroom Assistant
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CLASS: Under the general direction of the school principal, and under the immediate supervision of a Special Education teacher holding a valid teaching certificate directly engaged in teaching subject matter or conducting activities, assists in the instruction of disabled students; and performs related duties as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP); lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians; provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts; provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age; assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms, including but not limited to specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, and mechanized page turners; assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency; accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves; assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves; takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves; corrects homework assignments and examination materials; assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior; accompanies students and teachers on class field trips; attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, may administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, may operate audio-visual equipment, may operate photocopying equipment.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Certification Requirements: Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be applied for and obtained after the successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro). Also refer to:
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Educator License Application
- Work Keys
- Paraprofessional Assessment
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities, good knowledge of English grammar and spelling, good knowledge of basic mathematics.
Ability to work with and for students with various disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21) years of age; ability to follow written and oral instructions and direction; ability to complete and maintain basic written reports. (Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals who do not provide evidence of the completion of training in CPR at the time of initial employment in this class title will complete CPR training as a condition of employment.)
Good oral and written communication skills, skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Medium Work: Exerting up to fifty (50) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to twenty (20) pounds of force frequently, and/or to ten (10) pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demands include the ability to reach, handle, and finger objects; talk and hear; occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
See all 74+ Special Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Special Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Special Assistant
Frame your degree as directly related
H-1B sponsorship for Special Assistant roles hinges on demonstrating your degree field directly relates to the job duties. Map your coursework to the specific administrative, policy, or analytical functions in the job description before applying.
Search LCA filings by occupation title
Use the OFLC Wage Search to find employers who have certified LCAs specifically for Special Assistant or Executive Assistant titles. Employers with prior certifications are far more likely to sponsor again than those with no filing history.
Target government contractors and nonprofits first
Federal contractors and nonprofit organizations file disproportionately high volumes of LCAs for administrative and policy support roles. Migrate Mate shows verified sponsorship history by employer so you can prioritize outreach to organizations already sponsoring this job category.
Document scope of duties before the offer stage
USCIS scrutinizes whether Special Assistant roles genuinely require a specialty occupation degree. Before salary negotiations, ask the hiring manager to confirm that a bachelor's in a specific field is a formal requirement, not just a preference, in the job description.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
The DOL prevailing wage level affects both your offer and the employer's LCA filing. Cross-check the offered salary against the OFLC Wage Search for your metro area to confirm it meets at least Level I prevailing wage before the employer submits the LCA.
Prepare a credentials package for your employer early
Compile your degree transcripts, a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S., and a written duties summary before your employer engages an immigration attorney. Early documentation reduces the risk of an RFE on specialty occupation grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Special Assistant roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B purposes?
They can, but approval depends on how the role is defined. USCIS requires that the position normally require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, not just any degree. Special Assistant roles tied to policy analysis, program management, or technical coordination typically qualify. Generalist executive support roles without a defined degree requirement face higher scrutiny and an elevated risk of a Request for Evidence.
Which visa types are realistic for Special Assistant roles?
H-1B is the most common path for international candidates in Special Assistant positions, provided the role meets specialty occupation standards. TN visa is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals if the duties map to a qualifying USMCA profession. F-1 OPT and STEM OPT allow you to work while seeking a permanent sponsored role, but the employer must eventually file an H-1B petition for long-term status.
How do I find employers who sponsor Special Assistant roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for administrative and policy support roles, searchable by city and job category. This lets you focus your applications on organizations already familiar with the sponsorship process rather than educating employers from scratch.
Does a foreign bachelor's degree count for H-1B eligibility in this role?
Yes, USCIS accepts foreign degrees if they are equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in a directly related field. A credential evaluation from a recognized service is typically required to establish equivalency. Three years of specialized work experience can substitute for one year of education, so a combination of a shorter degree program and relevant experience may still satisfy the standard.
What happens to my H-1B status if my Special Assistant role is restructured or eliminated?
If your role is eliminated, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you can transfer your H-1B to a new employer by having them file a new petition. The new petition must be filed while you're still in valid status. If the role is restructured significantly, your employer may need to file an amended petition with USCIS to reflect the material change in duties.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Special Assistant jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.