Special Education Paraeducator

Special Education ParaeducatorLocation: Leonardtown Middle SchoolSalary: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9. ($27,999-$42,351)Effective: November 2026Application Procedures: Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the certification, where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant's background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than November 19, 2026. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. View phone number on click.appcast.io)Nature Of WorkThe Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).Essential FunctionsAbility to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community membersAbility to understand and maintain confidentialityAbility to use technology effectively to complete tasksAbility to report to work daily and on timeAbility to work independentlyAbility to follow both written and verbal instructionsAbility to work under pressurePossess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary's County Public School SystemPossess effective organizational skillsPossess effective written and oral communication skillsDuties And ResponsibilitiesAssists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devicesMeets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programsImplements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student's Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service PlanCollects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administratorsProvides instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school dayPossesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers)Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure timesAttends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the programAssists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keepingKeeps required materials readily available for follow-up activitiesOperates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned areaAssists teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supportsAccompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field tripsPerforms other related and non-related job duties as assignedQualificationsRequired:High School Diploma or GEDForty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application):ParaPro – prior to August 2026ParaPathways -5757Foundations of Classroom Support – 517Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction - 519For Pre-K paraeducators: must have an associate degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience prior to July 1, 2024Preferred:Related college classes or trainingExperience working with childrenTerm Of Employment: Full-time ten-month position.Salary Grade Range: The salary for this position will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees – Range 9.Bargaining Unit Eligibility: EASMC-ESPUpdated 07.2024, 5.2025, 2.2026, 04.2026The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any or all applicants, re-advertise, and/or withdraw the positions.The St. Mary's County Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status or sexual orientation, religion, or disability in matters affecting employment or providing access to programs.