Paraeducator, Instructional Candidate Pool

ABOUT US The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students! ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely . Job Posting End Date: Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site. DESCRIPTION Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with direct guidance from licensed teachers and specialists, the Instructional Paraeducator provides hands-on support to students individually or in small groups throughout the school day. This role focuses on helping students with academic, behavioral, and language skills, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners. The paraeducator follows students’ special plans such as IEPs and 504 Plans, works with the instructional team, participates in planning, and tracks student progress. By providing individualized support, this position helps ensure all students have equitable opportunities to succeed and aligns with HCPSS’s mission to offer inclusive, effective learning for every learner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy . Education: High School Diploma/GED Equivalent Additional Requirements for Title I Schoolwide Program Schools High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment . or 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university. 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. Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting. One (1) year of experience working with children with disabilities . Associate degree from an accredited college or university 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. Provides direct instructional support to individual students and small groups under the guidance of licensed teachers. Supports multilingual learners and students with disabilities in accessing grade-level curriculum using scaffolding and instructional strategies aligned to lesson objectives . Implements teacher-designed supplemental instruction and interventions aligned with MTSS Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 supports, including documentation of student progress and intervention responses. Assists in delivering academic and behavioral interventions developed by the instructional team. Ensures student safety across diverse environments—including classrooms, lunch time, and field trips—by providing active supervision, instructional reinforcement, and essential personal care such as lifting, positioning, and hygiene assistance . 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 Pedagogical Basics: Knowledge of fundamental instructional methods and how to deliver content to small groups or individuals. MTSS Framework: Understanding of the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), specifically the differences between Tier 1 (universal), Tier 2 (targeted), and Tier 3 (intensive) interventions. Inclusion Strategies: Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and scaffolding techniques to support multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Behavioral Principles: Familiarity with basic behavioral intervention strategies and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Safety & Hygiene Protocols: Knowledge of safe lifting techniques, body mechanics for positioning students, and standard precautions for hygiene and personal care. Skills Instructional Scaffolding: Skill in modifying complex tasks into manageable steps to help students reach lesson objectives . Data Collection & Documentation: Proficiency in accurately recording student progress, tracking intervention responses, and maintaining detailed logs for the instructional team. Physical Assistance: Skill in providing essential personal care, including the safe manual handling, lifting, and positioning of students with physical disabilities. Active Supervision: The ability to scan and monitor diverse environments (cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips) to preemptively identify safety risks. Communication: Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with licensed teachers and the broader instructional team. Abilities Adaptability: Ability to pivot instructional delivery based on real-time student needs and teacher guidance. Empathy & Patience: Ability to work supportively with students who face academic, linguistic, or physical challenges. Physical Stamina: Ability to remain on one's feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting or assisting with hygiene. Collaborative Mindset: Ability to follow the lead of licensed professionals while contributing observations to the instructional team. Situational Awareness: Ability to maintain a high level of alertness to ensure student safety in unstructured environments like lunchrooms or off-site trips. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Working Environment School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions. Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc. May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports. May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students. Physical Requirements Position requires physical assistance to students including lifting, positioning, and transfers following safety protocols. 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. Working Hours The duty day for this position is 7.5 hours including a thirty-minute duty-free lunch. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Complete applications must be submitted , and o nce your application has been submitted , you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. I ncomplete applications will not be consider ed . Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. SELECTION CRITERIA 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. EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION Compensation This is a 10 -month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants salary scale . Instructional Paraeducators will receive an additional $0.75 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 not exempt from overtime. Retirement Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary . Benefits HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit. Pre-Employment Requirements Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. A ll 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, s ome positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing . Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship. For questions regarding this posting, please contact Human Resources at . EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email . 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. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. 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 (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.