Paraprofessional Special Education STEP Program Smithsburg Elementary School

Washington County public Schools; Smithsburg (MD); On-site; USD 27,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County Public Schools is seeking a Paraprofessional for the STEP Program at Smithsburg Elementary School. The position offers 7 hours per day over a 10-month work year, with a starting hourly rate and a potential earnings range on the ESP Salary Scale.

The role supports classroom instruction, assists with individual and small group activities, and helps maintain a positive learning environment under teacher supervision.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Two years' experience with children or equivalent education/experience.
• Paraprofessional Praxis Test or equivalent credential preferred.
• Regular and predictable attendance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher by reinforcing skills and instruction.
• Work with individual students and small groups.
• Maintain classroom organization and a positive learning environment.
• Assist with supervision during instructional and non-instructional activities.
• Support physical care and handling of students as needed.
• Follow individual programs designed by the teacher.

Skills

Experience with children

Attendance reliability

Interpersonal skills

Physical stamina

Education

High School Diploma/GED

A.A. Degree or 48 college credits or Paraprofessional Praxis

Job description

Paraprofessional Special Education STEP Program Smithsburg Elementary School

• Date Posted: 10/7/2026
• Location: Smithsburg Elementary School
• Closing Date: 10/13/2026

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 Praxis 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.