FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education (SESES), Westbrook ES, 6hrs/10mos, (Ad Closes 8/10/26)

About the Role

At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support needs, including personal care and medical assistance. The role may involve working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in off-campus learning activities. The focus is on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings. Additionally, the paraeducator provides instructional, classroom management, and clerical support to teachers and professional staff.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 17 and may promote to a grade 18 after successfully completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds.

Special Requirements

• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.
• Ability to continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with special education services required within 6 months of starting.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $28.57 and $44.10 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Part-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift

Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation of instructional programs and monitor appropriate student behavior.
• Support students with special needs in academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical domains.
• Perform clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Attend to student personal care and medical needs as required.
• Participate in off-campus learning activities with students.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with instructional programs and ensure appropriate student behavior.
• Patience and effectiveness in working with children, young adults, and staff.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform required tasks.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based instructional tools).
• Ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Education, Training, and Experience

Requirements listed in order of preference:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree (preferred). College coursework should include a minimum of nine credit-hours in education-related fields such as behavior management or instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience working with children/adolescents in structured settings (e.g., daycare, preschool) required.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool) and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Option 4: Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license requirements.