ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education

Anne Arundel County Public Schools•Edgewater, MD

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Assists teachers in caring for the instructional and physical needs of students with disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. Performs instructional tasks assigned by professional staff based on student Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), curriculum delivery, and alternate curriculum standards. Supports differentiated instruction and learning environments that help students develop knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for learning. Assists with individual and group activities, reinforces instruction, motivates students, facilitates classroom management, and works with teachers and other service providers to support specially designed instruction at the Pre-K, elementary, and/or secondary levels. The ParaEducator must be able to perform all listed duties independently, which may vary by assignment. The role supports teachers through tasks critical to quality teaching and learning, student achievement, and well-being. The position reports to the Principal and is based in an office, school, or similar indoor environment, with some outdoor and street-environment exposure. The work schedule is 191 days, 10 months, and 7 hours worked.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalency certificate.
At Title I-funded schools, 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES.
One year of related experience working with children in an educational setting.
Ability to work collaboratively and professionally in support of teachers and service providers.
Ability to assist students with disability-related needs that may involve lifting, pushing, moving wheelchairs, feeding, and aiding bodily functions and hygiene.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Punctual, regular, and predictable attendance, as the job requires direct in-person service.
Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.
For work at a Title I-funded school, a passing ETS- or NES-issued paraprofessional assessment is required in lieu of 48 college credit hours.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Special Education or a related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university.
Proficiency with business software, including video/web conferencing and Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Implement instructional plans and activities designated by the teacher, service provider, and/or job coach, including demonstrating tasks and skills and reinforcing engagement.
Motivate students’ active engagement and task completion; use motivational strategies, implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), redirect students, monitor learning behaviors, and support independence and resiliency.
Help plan and conduct classroom activities, carry out instructional activities, prepare materials, and set up equipment.
Assist and guide students as they transition or travel through school buildings and during community-based instruction.
Under supervision, comply with medical protocols, including feeding and swallowing procedures and appropriate responses to seizures and other health or well-being situations.
Guide students in independent manipulation of outdoor attire and shoes, personal grooming, and other self-help activities.
Support instructional programming, including student access to the State’s Dynamic Learning Maps (DLMs) for assessment of knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Adjust braces, walkers, and/or wheelchairs as needed; assist non-ambulatory students and students who need personal-care assistance, including toileting, bathroom care, and diapering.
Perform administrative and instructional support tasks, including collating, supporting instructional modifications, correcting work samples, inventorying and requisitioning materials, maintaining files, recording attendance, and collecting student performance and functioning data.
Maintain knowledge of applicable policies and procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned within the same or a lower classification.