ParaEducator: Special Education - Central Special Education

Job Summary Assists teachers in caring for the instructional and physical needs of students with disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive and/or emotional disabilities. Performs instructional tasks as outlined by professional staff based upon student Individual Educational Programs (IEPs) and delivery of the curriculum and alternate curriculum standards, recognizing the critical role differentiated instruction and educational environments play in enabling all learners to gain knowledge, skills, and an enthusiasm for learning. Assists in individual and group activities, reinforcing instruction, motivating students, facilitating classroom management and working closely with teachers and other service providers on behalf of students to support the delivery of specially designed instruction at the Pre‑K, elementary and/or secondary grade levels. Must be able to perform any and all listed duties independently which may vary based upon assignment. The ParaEducator’s role is to ultimately assist teachers by performing a variety of tasks that are critical to quality teaching and learning, promoting accelerated student achievement and well‑being. Essential Duties / Responsibilities Implement instructional plans and activities as designated by the teacher, service provider and/or job coach, including demonstration of tasks/skills and reinforcement engagement. Demonstrate patience while working with students, motivating active engagement and encouraging task completion by employing motivational techniques and strategies, implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), redirecting, monitoring learning behaviors and supporting student independence and resiliency. Assist in formulating and conducting classroom activities, including carrying out planned instructional activities, preparing materials, and setting up equipment. Assist or guide students as they transition/travel throughout school buildings and community‑based instruction. Under supervision, comply with medical protocols such as feeding/swallowing and appropriate response to medically‑based seizures events and/or health and well‑being situations. Help and/or provide instructional guidance on independent manipulation of outdoor attire, shoes, personal grooming, self‑help, etc. Support instructional programming, including access to the State’s Dynamic Learning Maps (DLMs) in the assessment of student knowledge, skills, and understandings. Adjust braces, walkers, and/or wheelchairs as needed, assisting non‑ambulatory students and/or students with disabilities who are not independent with personal care (bodily functions to include toileting, bathroom care and/or diapering). Perform a variety of tasks such as collating, supporting instructional modifications (alternate education framework/standards), correcting work samples, inventorying, requisitioning materials, maintaining files, keeping daily records on attendance, and collecting data on student performance and functioning. Maintain knowledge of appropriate policies and procedures. Perform other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower. Minimum Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required. 48 college credit hours, in lieu of a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES, required. Associate’s Degree in Special Education or related field of education preferred. Experience One (1) year related experience working with children in an educational setting required. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics Ability to work collaboratively/professionally to support the efforts of teachers/service providers. Ability to assist students with disability limitations that include lifting, pushing, moving wheelchairs, feeding, and aiding in bodily functions/hygiene as needed. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Job requires direct in‑person provision of service; therefore punctual, regular and predictable attendance is essential. Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations. Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g., video/web conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite—Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred). Licenses and Certifications Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment. Upon hire, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES required. Career Ladder Requirements First Higher Grade: One (1) additional year of successful experience required; successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required. Second Higher Grade: Two (2) additional years of successful experience required; associate’s degree in Special Education or related field of education OR successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required. Eligibility for consideration for advancement requires one (1) year continuous successful experience in the position at the Lower Grade level, two (2) years continuous successful experience at the First Higher Grade level, mastery of all responsibilities and assignments of the position, achievement of professional certification, license or evidence of course completion in pursuit of such certification or license if applicable, evidence of completion of additional training recommended by supervisor, successful completion of at least one professional development within the last two years, successful completion of job‑specific professional developments identified in the job description, performance evaluation and/or supervisor’s documented recommendation, achievement of identified goals, consistent compliance with general office procedures such as standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook, demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service, regular and punctual attendance, building dress code including wearing AACPS ID badge, and above satisfactory overall job performance as illustrated by probationary or performance ratings. Additional requirements for advancement from Lower Grade to First Higher Grade: successful completion of fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required. Additional requirements for advancement from First Higher Grade to Second Higher Grade: associate’s degree in Special Education or related field of education OR successful completion of additional fifteen (15) training hours/CEUs of specialized care needs of students required. Leadership Role None Physical Demands / Working Conditions Standing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Sitting: under 1/3 of the time Using hands to handle or feel: over 2/3 of the time Pinching (fine motor skills): under 1/3 of the time Wrist deviation: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Keyboarding: under 1/3 of the time Pushing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Pulling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Reaching (with hands and/or arms): over 2/3 of the time Balancing: under 1/3 of the time Stooping: under 1/3 of the time Kneeling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Crouching: under 1/3 of the time Bending: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Twisting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Squatting: under 1/3 of the time Talking: over 2/3 of the time Hearing: over 2/3 of the time Smelling: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: over 2/3 of the time Vision requirements: none special; work is conducted in a typical indoor setting. Work environment: Office, school or similar indoor environment >2/3 of the time; Outdoor environment 1/3–2/3 of the time; Street environment under 1/3 of the time Exposure to wet or humid conditions or outdoor weather: under 1/3 of the time. Noise level: moderate >2/3 of the time. Lifting and carrying: up to 80 pounds between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time. Equal Opportunity Employer Anne Arundel County Public Schools prohibits discrimination in matters affecting employment or in providing access to programs on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, or disability. For more information, contact: Anne Arundel County Public Schools Division of Human Resources, 2644 Riva Road, Annapolis, MD 21401. View phone number on click.appcast.io TDD View phone number on click.appcast.io or Email Recruitment. Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required. #J-18808-Ljbffr IMDiversity