Special Education Paraprofessional - Behavior Specialist (Frederick)

Meritus Health; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 24,796 - 32,166; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Time Off

401k plan

Education assistance program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Frederick, Maryland is seeking a compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional – Behavior Specialist to support students with special needs in academic and non-academic settings. The role involves supervising students, assisting classroom teachers, and implementing behavior management strategies. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, relevant experience, and CPR certification. A collaborative environment is emphasized, with comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Previous experience working with children with special needs.
• Valid driver’s license in state of residence.
• Current CPR certification.
• Current First Aid training.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist students during academic periods.
• Support classroom instruction under the direction of the teacher.
• Maintain professional boundaries with students and staff.
• Complete timely and accurate data collection.
• Participate in team collaborations and in-service training.

Skills

Experience with special needs children

Behavior management

Data collection

Education

High school diploma

Associate or bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Category: Behavioral Health Service

Requisition Number: BROOK012251

Apply now

• Posted: February 16, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site
• Hourly Range: $18 USD to $23.35 USD

Locations

Showing 1 location

BL Laurel Hall Schl Fred
Brook Lane Laurel Hall School in Frederick
4540-A Mack Avenue
Frederick, MD 21703, USA

• Pay or shift range: $18 USD to $22 USD
  The posted range is the budgeted amount for this position. The actual rate of pay will be determined based on several factors, including your relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and alignment with Meritus Health’s compensation practices.

Description

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional – Behavior Specialist to support students with special needs in both academic and non-academic settings. This role involves assisting classroom teachers, implementing behavior management strategies, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for students.

Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma required
• Associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous experience working with children with special needs
• Valid driver’s license issued in the state of residence
• Current BLS (CPR) certification in compliance with policy
• Current First Aid training
• For use of Meritus vehicles:
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Driving record compliant with legal requirements for vehicle operation
  • No moving violations in the past three years preferred
  • Certified copy of driving record required annually on date of birth
  • Signed acknowledgment of “Attestation A” in Meritus Vehicle Management Use and Control policy

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and assist students during academic and non-academic periods
• Support classroom instruction under the direction of the teacher
• Model appropriate behavior and responsible technology use
• Complete timely and accurate data collection
• Interact with students in a clinically appropriate and positive manner
• Apply TIP strategies correctly, including verbal de-escalation and physical management as a last resort
• Maintain professional boundaries with students and staff
• Participate in meetings, team collaborations, and in-service training
• Ensure punctual arrival to maintain continuous student supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Physical Requirements

• Willingness to transport students in company vehicle as needed
• Ability to perform CPR and TIP interventions
• Willingness to engage in physical interventions when necessary
• Ability to sit for 50 percent of the time
• Ability to stand for 20 percent of the time
• Ability to walk for 30 percent of the time
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Consistent punctual attendance and full-time onsite presence required

Caring for Our Team

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the 1st of the month following date of hire, along with life insurance, & short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.