Student Assistant Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System is seeking a Student Assistant to support students with disabilities, enabling them to engage in educational programs. The role involves implementing instructional plans, facilitating communication, and monitoring student performance across various activities.

The ideal candidate will have a High School Diploma/GED and experience in a PK-12 setting. Additionally, the position requires regular physical activity and adaptability in diverse environments. HCPSS values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application.
• Experience in a PK-12 setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with disabilities to access educational programs.
• Implement instructional plans and behavioral support plans.
• Monitor and facilitate student performance during activities.

Skills

Support students with disabilities

Assistive technology knowledge

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma/GED Equivalent

Job description

Position Description

Working under the supervision of the principal and the direction of the teacher(s) or other professional, the Student Assistant assists students with disabilities who require direct adult supervision to access appropriate educational programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting.

Essential Responsibilities

• Implement instructional plans designed by professional staff.
• Facilitate student learning by implementing IEP adaptations and modifications, which may include the use of assistive technology and adapted equipment.
• Actively support and facilitate student independence and participation in the educational program.
• Implement behavioral support plans for students.
• Collect data on goals and objectives and behavioral support plans.
• Communicate progress or concerns on a daily basis to the teacher or other professional who is directing the Student Assistant’s work.
• Monitor and facilitate student performance during activities such as lunch, recess, assemblies, breaks, transitions, etc.
• Facilitate the student’s communication and social interaction throughout the day.
• Feed the student or assist the student in developing feeding skills.
• Escort students to and from areas in and outside the building.
• Promote an attitude of dignity and self-worth in the student.
• Assist the student with physical demands by lifting, positioning, placing the student in support devices, and transferring students from wheelchairs for toileting and position changes.
• Assist or change the student during toileting activities.
• Assist the student in developing personal hygiene skills.
• Show eagerness to work with students with disabilities and within the age group assigned.
• Demonstrate competency in oral and written language skills to record and communicate observations of student behavior and data collection.
• Exhibit flexibility and initiative in working with students and staff.
• Accept assignments and carry them out to completion.

Additional Requirements

• Working in school buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor settings under a variety of weather conditions.
• Exposure to high‑pitched or louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, and students with more challenging behavior.
• May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50–75 pounds with assistance.
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office equipment as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment.
• 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.
• Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children.
• Ability to hear, with or without the use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others.
• Must be able to keep physically active (standing, sitting, bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above‑shoulder reaching movements).

Equal Opportunity Employer

HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.