Inclusion Helper – Hickory Elementary School - 2026-2027 School Year

HCPS Careers; Maryland; On-site; USD 25,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Harford County Public Schools is seeking an Inclusion Helper at Hickory Elementary School to support students with severe disabilities, assist in instruction, and help with assignments and behavior plans. The role emphasizes promoting independence and providing assistance within the least restrictive environment.

The position requires a high school diploma, strong verbal and interpersonal skills, and the ability to perform physical duties including lifting students up to 40 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or minimum educational standard established through federal legislation.
• Strong verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Able to meet physical requirements of position including lifting and transferring students.

Responsibilities

• Provides support to students during instruction and modifications.
• Facilitates student independence in the least restrictive environment.
• Assists students with assignments and reinforces activities.
• Monitors student behavior and implements behavioral strategies and intervention plans.
• Provides assistance with personal care needs including lifting, transferring, feeding, and toileting.
• Prepares instructional materials based on teacher direction.
• Charts data on student progress as needed.
• Participates in professional development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Physical stamina

Experience with students with disabil

Education

High school diploma

Job description

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

September 8, 2026

HCPS is committed to recruiting and retaining effective and diverse educators and staff to build a climate of student success and improve learning experiences for every child in every classroom.

INCLUSION HELPER

Hickory Elementary School

LateraltransfersofinstructionalpersonnelarenotconsideredafterAugust1st.

To provide support and assistance to students with severe disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE

These items are intended only as examples of the various types of job duties to be performed; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a similar, related, or logical assignment to the position.

• Provides support to students during instruction; provides modifications and accommodations.
• Facilitates student independence in the least restrictive environment.
• Provides assistance to students to complete assignments; follows-up and reinforces activities.
• Monitors student behavior and implements behavioral strategies and intervention plans.
• Provides assistance with personal care needs including, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, feeding, and toileting.
• Prepares instructional materials for students based on the direction of the teacher.
• Charts data on student progress, as necessary.
• Participates in professional development programs as assigned.
• Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

SALARY

• This is a full-time ten-month position. Salary range based on the FY 2026-2027 HCEA-ESP Salary Schedule for Inclusion Helper Personnel.Starting Salary: $ 24,705– Maximum Earnings Potential $ 36,878. Those who are entering or returning to employment with Harford County Public Schools will begin on Step 1.
• Full salary schedules can be found at the bottom of the Current Vacancies webpage https://www.hcps.org/departments/humanresources/vacancies.aspx
• HCPS offers an expansive benefits package including individual and family medical, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, pension, paid time off, and more.
• For a complete list of benefits, please visit the Employment Benefits section of the Human Resources webpage: https://www.hcps.org/departments/HumanResources/Default.aspx
• For more information on holidays and paid time off, please refer to the Holidays and Leave Provisions sections of the HCEA-ESP Negotiated Agreement: https://www.hcps.org/boe/collectivebargaining.aspx
• FLSA: Non-Exempt

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• High school diploma or minimum educational standard established through federal legislation.
• Possess strong verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Able to meet physical requirements of position which are considered essential job functions, with or without accommodation, by passing pre-employment exam. Such requirements directly support students and include, but are not limited to, squatting, kneeling, and ability to lift and transfer students weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Specific skills as dictated by the needs of the students.

DEADLINE

Online employment applications will be accepted until filled. Applications received on or before September 15, 2026 will receive first consideration.

The Board of Education of Harford County is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We adhere to the principles of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Board of Education of Harford County prohibits discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, or any other protected characteristic in any program or activity it operates. The Board of Education of Harford County encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Inquiries or concerns about your rights related to Title IX, Title VI, or Title VII can be directed to our Coordinator of Internal Investigations, Dr. Renee McGlothlin, at 410-809-6087 or [e-mail]. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination policy can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: (hcps.org) and found on the HCPS website under Board of Education Policies and Procedures. Harford County Public Schools’ non-discrimination statement can be accessed here: NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: (hcps.org) and found on HCPS’ homepage.

AFFIRMING EQUAL EMPLOYMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICE