Paraeducator

The Maryland School for the Blind; Maryland; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution for visually impaired students is seeking a Paraeducator to assist teachers and implement individual educational programs (IEPs). The role involves supervising student activities, providing support for personal hygiene, and assisting with vocational training. Candidates should have an Associate's degree or equivalent credits, be at least 21 years old, and possess a basic understanding of special education and child development. Knowledge of Braille and experience with disabilities are preferred.

Qualifications

• Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree or paraeducator assessment.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Experience in a leadership role preferred.
• Basic knowledge of developmental disabilities and related techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher with classroom instruction and material preparation.
• Implement and monitor individualized educational programs (IEPs).
• Supervise student activities and assist with personal hygiene.
• Provide vocational job coaching and support.

Skills

Basic knowledge of special education principles

Experience with students with severe disabilities

Knowledge of child development

Ability to use computers and assistive technology

Basic knowledge of Braille

Ability to lift and assist students

Education

Associate Degree or 48 college credits

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

Join to apply for the Paraeducator role at The Maryland School for the Blind.

Description

SUMMARY: With supervision, assists the classroom teacher in the implementation of individualized educational programs (IEP).

Accountabilities

Essential Functions:

• Assists teacher with the development and implementation of classroom instruction including curricular programs, data collection and the creation of instructional materials.
• Assists teacher in developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs.
• Assists students in performance of personal hygiene tasks and toileting.
• Supervises student activities, including getting into the pool when necessary.
• Assists students with travel skills and concept development.
• Programs and uses augmentative communication devices.
• Uses and assists students with use of computers and iPads.
• Provides vocational job coaching.

Marginal Functions:

• Uses sign language and Braille as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.
• Assist with G-tube feeding when necessary.

Conditions and Equipment Used:

Personal computer, copy machine, motor vehicle, instructional and therapeutic material and equipment, adaptive and orthopedic equipment.

Performance Standards:

Must assure 100% compliance with health and safety standards at all times, and must fully support each student's program plan.

Work Environment:

Multiple indoor and outdoor environments around and off campus, with varying sound, lighting and temperature conditions.

Work Schedule:

37-40 daytime hours, Monday through Friday with a 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break scheduled each day; flextime within the workweek is occasionally required, and additional work hours are infrequently assigned. This position follows an 11‑month school schedule.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and General Abilities:

• Requires a minimum of an Associate Degree, 48 college credits, or a ParaPro Assessment. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Basic knowledge of special education classroom principles and practices, and their application to the instruction of students with multiple disabilities and visual impairments including blindness preferred.
• Experience instructing students with severe and profound disabilities, or students with emotional disorders and use of behavior management strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge child development and visual impairment and related materials, i.e., large print and Braille preferred.
• One year of experience in a youth leadership role preferred.
• Basic knowledge of orthopedically disabled children including handling, lifting, positioning, and feeding techniques, and use of related equipment preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of computers, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Ability to push and pull in excess of 100 pounds and lift in excess of 50 pounds with assistance.

Other applicable trainings/certifications:

• Gastrostomy tube (G‑tube)/Medication Management Certification
• Braille
• Sign Language
• Lifting, Transfers & Positioning/Mechanical Lift
• Computer Skills
• Driving Certification to transport students
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Training

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F.