Paraprofessional Special Education STEP Program Bester Elementary

Washington County Public Schools; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 26,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Public Schools is seeking a Paraprofessional for the STEP Program at Bester Elementary School to support students with special education goals under teacher supervision, reinforcing skills in small groups. You will assist with instructional activities and classroom management to help create an effective learning environment.

The position requires a High School diploma, 2 years of experience with children, and the ability to lift 30–50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of experience working with children or related education.
• Ability to lift 30–50 pounds when needed.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work with individual students and small groups to reinforce skills.
• Assist the teacher with strategies and classroom organization.
• Help supervise students during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Assist with care of classroom equipment and physical care as needed.
• Support individualized programs designed by the teacher.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with children

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

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Frontline Applicant Tracking - Washington County Public Schools

Paraprofessional Special Education STEP Program Bester Elementary JobID: 15126

• Date Posted:
  9/12/2026
• Location:
  Bester Elementary School
• Closing Date:
  09/18/2026

Paraprofessional Special Education STEP Program
Bester Elementary School
Grade 6 Step 1 with a starting hourly rate of $19.26. Potential future earnings for this position on the ESP Salary Scale are $19.26 - $34.84. Additional steps will only be considered for PreK-12 teaching experience under state-issued professional licensure.This position qualifies for a program differential valued at ten percent (10%) of the step one (1) value of the position's grade in addition to their current hourly rate.
7 Hours/Day, 10-Month Work Year
Employee Benefits Summary
Minimum Requirements
High School Diploma/GED.
Highly Qualified status (A.A. Degree, 48 credit hours, or have successfully passed the Paraprofessional Assessment Test).
Two (2) years' experience working with children or combination of education and experience totaling two years.
Ability to lift between 30-50 pounds in specified situations.
Regular and predictable attendance which is an essential function of this position.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
Preferred Qualifications
Competency with fundamental reading, writing, arithmetic, and communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work harmoniously with staff, students, and community.
Training and experience working with populations relevant to the assigned school.
Role Responsibilities
Work with individual students and small groups of students to reinforce skills introduced by the teacher(s).
Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing skills and instruction.
Assist the teacher in maintaining classroom organization and a positive learning environment.
Operate and assists with the care of the classroom equipment.
Assist with supervision and management of students during instructional and non-instructional activities.
Assist with physical care and physical management of students as needed and appropriate.
Follow through to carry out individual programs designed by the teacher.
Participate in and/or provide input for team planning functions as appropriate.
Demonstrates courteous and professional demeanor to all stakeholders of Washington County Public Schools.
Other duties as assigned.
Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental Requirements
The Environmental Factors and Physical/Mental demands represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and other office equipment.
Ability to sufficiently and efficiently move throughout the building and grounds for extended periods.
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with others as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, and hear.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
Ability to move, raise, lower, and carry objects up to 20 lbs. on an irregular basis.
Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop, reach, and climb.
Will be subjected to loud noises, interactions, and traffic flow associated within a highly populated office environment.

Note: Only currently contracted WCPS teachers may apply for internal teaching vacancies. Any applicant who is not a currently contracted teacher with WCPS must apply for teaching positions as an external applicant for external vacancies.

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