Long-Term Substitute, Special Education Instructional Assistant

Frederick County Public Schools; Ballenger Creek (MD); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Public Schools is seeking a Long-Term Substitute, Special Education Instructional Assistant at Orchard Grove Elementary School. The role supports students with IEPs and assists a special education teacher in promoting independence and completing tasks, including personal care when needed.

The position is non-exempt from overtime, with daily hours from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and an hourly rate of $21.09. ASAp start; open until filled.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; minimum 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing ParaPro for Title One.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications.
• Capable of performing essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated FCPS staff.
• Documents student progress.
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by students.
• Facilitates student progress toward independence.
• Monitors students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists with routine physical/personal care not requiring a nurse.
• Monitors IEP goals and objectives; participates in crisis intervention as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording assessments.
• Works effectively in a team environment.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Clerical tasks

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED) with 48 college credits / AA or ParaPro

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Job description

Long-Term Substitute, Special Education Instructional Assistant JobID: 18548

• Position Type:
  Substitute/ Long-Term Substitute Instructional Support
• Date Posted:
  8/25/2026
• Location:
  Orchard Grove Elementary School
• Date Available:
  ASAP
• Closing Date:
  Open until Filled

Work Year Calendar and Hours

• BeginningASAP
• Daily Work Hours: 8:30AM - 4:00PM
• $21.09 per hour

Under the Fair Labor and Standards Act, this position is non-exempt from overtime.

Role

Special Education Instructional Assistants monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Assistance to the student(s) may include extensive physical and/or personal care support. All duties/responsibilities are performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The ability to lift may be required based on student needs.

Essential Functions

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated FCPS staff.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Facilitates student progress toward independence.
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists student(s) with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Work effectively in a team environment.

Other Functions

• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). (Note: minimum of 48 college credits, AA degree or passing of the ParaPro Assessment Test will be required for Title One Schools).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Officeand Google Drive applications.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree
• College level coursework related to child development
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent bending, lifting, walking may be required.
• May require moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs.
• Assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.