## Paraeducator, Special Education Specialized Program Candidate PoolDESCRIPTION Under the supervision of the principal and/or assistant principal, and with instruction from a teacher, therapist or assigned staff, the Special Education Paraeducator, /Specialized Programs support and promote student learning and well-being. The Special Education Paraeducator/ Specialized Programs implements plans and programs related to academic, behavior, social and emotional needs of students with individual educational programs (IEPs). The position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management support, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in the classroom and learning environments. Special Education Paraeducators - Specialized Programs may have increased physical demands and frequencies with running and/or standing for extended periods of time. Special Education Paraeducator – Specialized Program positions are found within the following programs at each level: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.****Education** ). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click **Additional Requirements for** **Experience:** One (1) years of experience working with students/individuals with disabilities.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. Two (2) years of experience working with students/individuals 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.Assists classroom teachers or service providers with implementing content-area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs. Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of helping students with routines and fostering independence as appropriate. 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 of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in special education and related services. Knowledge of the basic subjects taught in public schools, including reading/language arts, mathematics, etc. Ability to support the implementation of instructional programs that support diverse student learners. Ability to assist students with instruction in an active learning environment. Ability to follow oral and written directions necessary for providing student support (e.g., directions for learning tasks, student goals and objectives, schedule of services, etc.). Ability to exhibit professional behavior, tact, and good judgement in working with administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, students, parents/guardians, and the community. Ability to utilize assistiveAbility to utilize web-based productivity and collaboration tools ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**Physical Requirements** Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements (e.g., push/move wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, etc.).Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area.Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others. 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. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.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. This position is salary Grade VI on the Special Education Paraeducators in a Specialized Program will receive an additional $1.75 per hour. Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. Step placement will be in accordance with 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** for eligible employees. Information about additional 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.