Paraeducator, Instructional Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; Parsons (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Benefits as per HCEA-ESP agreement

Job summary

A local educational institution in Kansas seeks a dedicated Instructional Paraeducator to support students, particularly those with disabilities and multilingual learners. The role involves providing hands-on assistance, tracking progress, and collaborating with teachers to ensure equitable access to education. Candidates should have experience in a PK-12 environment and possess effective communication and instructional skills. The position offers a 10-month contract with competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting is preferred.
• Must have one year of experience working with children with disabilities.
• Ability to follow Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small group support to students.
• Implement strategies to assist students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
• Track and document student progress on instructional goals.

Skills

Instructional Scaffolding

Data Collection & Documentation

Effective Communication

Active Supervision

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

DESCRIPTION Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with direct guidance from licensed teachers and specialists, the Instructional Paraeducator provides hands-on support to students individually or in small groups throughout the school day. This role focuses on helping students with academic, behavioral, and language skills, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners. The paraeducator follows students’ special plans such as IEPs and 504 Plans, works with the instructional team, participates in planning, and tracks student progress. By providing individualized support, this position helps ensure all students have equitable opportunities to succeed and align with HCPSS’s mission to offer inclusive, effective learning for every learner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.****Education:** Additional Requirements for PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting. One (1) year of experience working with children with disabilities. ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list. Knowledge Pedagogical Basics: Knowledge of fundamental instructional methods and how to deliver content to small groups or individuals. Inclusion Strategies: Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and scaffolding techniques to support multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Behavioral Principles: Familiarity with basic behavioral intervention strategies and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Safety & Hygiene Protocols: Knowledge of safe lifting techniques, body mechanics for positioning students, and standard precautions for hygiene and personal care. Skills Instructional Scaffolding: Skill in modifying complex tasks into manageable steps to help students reach lesson objectives. Data Collection & Documentation: Proficiency in accurately recording student progress, tracking intervention responses, and maintaining detailed logs for the instructional team. Active Supervision: The ability to scan and monitor diverse environments (cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips) to preemptively identify safety risks. Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with licensed teachers and the broader instructional team. Abilities Adaptability: Ability to pivot instructional delivery based on real-time student needs and teacher guidance. Empathy & Patience: Ability to work supportively with students who face academic, linguistic, or physical challenges. Physical Stamina: Ability to remain on one's feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting or assisting with hygiene. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to follow the lead of licensed professionals while contributing observations to the instructional team. Situational Awareness: Ability to maintain a high level of alertness to ensure student safety in unstructured environments like lunchrooms or off-site trips. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**Physical Requirements** The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. **Compensation** This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is **Benefits** benefits such as paid time off can be found in the **Pre-Employment Requirements**All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.