ParaEducator: Special Education (ACC) - Ruth Parker Eason

IMDiversity; Millersville (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

IMDiversity is seeking a ParaEducator in Millersville, Maryland, to assist teachers in caring for students with disabilities. This role involves providing instructional support and managing classroom activities to promote student achievement.

The ideal candidate should have a high school diploma and at least one year of experience working with children. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans and encouraging student engagement across various activities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Minimum of 48 college credit hours or passing score on paraprofessional assessment.
• At least one year of related experience working with children in an educational setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in caring for students with disabilities.
• Implement instructional plans as designated by teachers.
• Support student independence and manage classroom activities.

Skills

Collaboration with teachers

Effective communication

Motivational techniques

Confidentiality

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma

48 college credit hours or paraprofessional assessment

Associate's Degree in Special Education (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Video/Web Conferencing tools

Job description

ParaEducator: Special Education (ACC) – Ruth Parker Eason

Location: Millersville, Maryland

Job Summary: Assists teachers in caring for the instructional and physical needs of students with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Performs instructional tasks as outlined by professional staff based upon student Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) and delivery of the curriculum, and alternate curriculum standards, recognizing the critical role differentiated instruction and educational environments play in enabling all learners to gain knowledge, skills, and an enthusiasm for learning. Assists in individual and group activities, reinforcing instruction, motivating students, facilitating classroom management and working closely with teachers and other service providers on behalf of students to support the delivery of specially designed instruction at the Pre‑K, elementary and/or secondary grade levels. Must be able to perform any and all listed duties independently which may vary based upon assignment. The ParaEducator's role is to ultimately assist teachers by performing a variety of tasks that are critical to quality teaching and learning, promoting accelerated student achievement and well‑being.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

• Implements instructional plans and activities as designated by the teacher, service provider and/or job coach, including demonstration of tasks/skills, and reinforcement engagement.
• Demonstrates patience while working with students, motivating active engagement and encouraging task completion. This includes employing motivational techniques and strategies, implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), redirecting, monitoring learning behaviors and supporting student independence/resiliency.
• Assists in formulating and conducting classroom activities including carrying out planned instructional activities, preparing materials, and setting up equipment.
• Assists/guides students as they transition/travel throughout school buildings/community based instruction.
• Under supervision, complies with medical protocols; including feeding/swallowing and appropriate response to medically-based (seizures) events and/or health and well‑being situations.
• Helps and/or provides instructional guidance on independent manipulation of outdoor attire, shoes, personal grooming, self‑help, etc.
• Supports instructional programming, including access to the State's Dynamic Learning Maps (DLMs) in the assessment of student knowledge, skills, and understandings.
• Adjusts braces, walkers, and/or wheelchairs as needs, assisting non‑ambulatory students and/or students with disabilities who are not independent with personal care (bodily functions to include toileting, bathroom care and/or diapering).
• Performs a variety of tasks such as collating, supporting instructional modifications (alternate education framework/standards), correcting work samples, inventorying, requisitioning materials, maintaining files, keeping daily records on attendance, and collecting data on student performance and functioning.
• Maintains knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• 48 college credit hours, in lieu of a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES, required.
• Associate's Degree in Special Education or related field of education from a regionally accredited college or university preferred.

Experience

• One (1) year related experience working with children in an educational setting required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to work collaboratively/professionally to support the efforts of teachers/service providers.
• Ability to assist students with disability limitations that include lifting, pushing, moving wheelchairs, feeding, and aiding in bodily functions/hygiene as needed.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Job requires direct in‑person provision of service, therefore punctual, regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g., Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment. Upon hire, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES required.

Career Ladder Requirements

• First Higher Grade: Requires one additional year of successful experience and fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students.
• Second Higher Grade: Requires two additional years of successful experience and either an Associate’s degree in Special Education or related field of education, or additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students.
• Eligibility for Advancement: One year continuous experience at the Lower Grade level; two years continuous experience at the First Higher Grade level; mastery of all responsibilities; achievement of professional certification, license or evidence of course completion; completion of additional training recommended by supervisor; achievement of identified goals; consistent compliance with general office procedures; excellent customer service; punctual attendance; dress code compliance; satisfactory job performance; and a letter of recommendation written by the Principal.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Standing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Sitting: under 1/3 of the time
• Using hands to handle or feel: over 2/3 of the time
• Pinching (fine motor skills): under 1/3 of the time
• Wrist deviation: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: under 1/3 of the time
• Pushing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Pulling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Reaching (with hands and/or arms): over 2/3 of the time
• Balancing: under 1/3 of the time
• Stooping: under 1/3 of the time
• Kneeling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Crouching: under 1/3 of the time
• Bending: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Twisting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Squatting: under 1/3 of the time
• Talking: over 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: over 2/3 of the time
• Smelling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: over 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Vision: No special vision requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Anne Arundel County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability. For more information, contact: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Division of Human Resources, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-222-5061 TDD 410-222-5000 or Email Recruitment.

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.