Release Date: November 18, 2024                   

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Requisition 11117

Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered.  Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources (hrd@smcps.org)

POSITION:         Special Education Paraeducator

REPORTS TO:     Site Administrator

LOCATION:        Lexington Park Elementary

Salary:       The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees Range 8. ($26,395 - $39,917)

Effective: December 2024

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application.   In addition to the online application, any support documentation (copy of certification where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application.  The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant’s background, experience, and professional qualifications.  Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete.  Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. (301-475-5511, ext. 32187) 

NATURE OF WORK:

The Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
• Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
• Ability to report to work daily and on time
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work under pressure
• Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary’s County Public School System
• Possess effective organizational skills
• Possess effective written and oral communication skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices
• Meets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs
• Implements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student’s Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan
• Collects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators
• Provides instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day
• Possesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers)
• Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times
• Assists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping
• Keeps required materials readily available for follow-up activities
• Operates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned area
• Assists teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports
• Accompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips
• Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate degree or 48-semester college credits or successful completion of the Paraprofessional (documents must be uploaded to your application)

Preferred:

• Related college classes or training
• Experience working with children 

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Full-time ten-month position.

SALARY GRADE RANGE:

The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 8.

BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY: EASMC-ESP

Updated 07.2024