DESCRIPTION 

Working under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, the Student Engagement Paraeducator (SEP) provides assistance in implementing plans and programs related to skill attainment for students in academics and social-emotional growth.  The SEP works directly with students, individually or in small groups, supports instructional staff and provides clerical assistance as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education 

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. For a list of approved vendors, please click here. 

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 DESCRIPTION 

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.   

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. For a list of approved vendors, please click here. 

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 K-12 setting.  

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. 

• Assists teachers in implementing lesson plans and in preparing instructional materials and learning centers. 

• Works with individual and small groups of students. 

• Prepares bulletin boards. 

• Keeps track of individual student performance. 

• Checks papers. 

• Operates various office machines. 

• Works effectively with students including safely escorting and monitoring transitions throughout the school day and upon arrival and departure in the cafeteria and/or on the playgrounds. 

• Assists students who require support with toileting, health protocols, or other personal care tasks.  

• Conducts lunch count and collects lunch money. 

• Locates and prepares learning resource equipment and materials. 

• Provides instructional support in computer laboratories and laboratory instruction for students. 

• Performs various clerical functions to include operating a computer, recordkeeping, and attendance. 

• Assists with media resources to include the operation of audio-visual equipment and making of transparencies. 

• Participates in faculty discussions and planning. 

• Reads, tells and records stories. 

• Schedules parent-teacher conferences and time for parent volunteers to assist in the classroom. 

• Assists on field trips. 

• May be required to supervise students in transit  

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

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.  

• Ability to maintain confidentiality when discussing students’ progress and concerns with staff 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form 

• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances 

• Ability to reinforce lesson plans to support the educational program for student(s) 

• Ability to follow directions from the teacher, which may include reinforcing instruction presented by the teacher 

• Ability to provide personal attention to students on an individual basis 

• Ability to work with small groups of students and assist with instruction 

• Ability to discuss problems affecting students’ progress and with the teacher and, if so directed, with other professional staff 

• Ability to carry out assignments to completion 

• Ability to perform clerical work 

• Possess basic knowledge of technology and keyboarding to support student learning 

• Ability to demonstrate strong human relations skills 

• Ability to have strong, positive communication and interaction skills when dealing with co-workers, students, administrators, parents and/or the community 

• Ability to attend professional development sessions during the workday 

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 

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance. 

• Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. 

• Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements.  

• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office 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 use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others. 

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 a full-time position is 7.5 hours per day including an unpaid thirty-minute duty-free lunch.  

• Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 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. This position is salary Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants Salary Scale. Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. General Education Paraeducators will receive an additional $.30 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. 

All 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, some 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 [email protected] 

Experience working with students in a K-12 setting.  

A background in education. 

Prior experience working with children with lagging social-emotional skills.  

Training and experience in using the Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI), or a similar framework, when intervening with behavioral issues. 

Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or 48 college credits 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. 

• Works with the Student Engagement teacher to provide academic and social-emotional support, to identified students with Alternative Education (AE) services within their assigned classes, in small groups, or individually. 

• Assists teachers in tracking individual student performance, including data collection and data review. 

• Assists Student Engagement teachers with academic and behavioral interventions through the implementation of Student Support Plans (SSPs). 

• Provides information to assist the Student Engagement teacher in evaluation of individual student needs and progress. 

• Reviews and reinforces instruction presented by teachers and provides supplementary instruction. 

• Supervises and monitors students throughout the school day.   

• Assists teachers in planning and implementing lessons and learning experiences.  

• Monitors student transitions throughout the school day, upon arrival and departure, in the cafeteria and/or on the playground.  

• Performs various clerical functions to include, but not limited to, maintaining case management records, preparing instructional materials, etc. 

• Conducts observations, collects data, and provides information to appropriate staff. 

• With appropriate supervision, assists in teaching communication skills, implementing student social-emotional and learning programs through use of behavior modification and crisis intervention strategies. 

• Assists with social-emotional skill development groups (Conflict Resolution, Social Skills, etc.). 

• Attends professional learning sessions targeted to meet the specific academic, communication and social-emotional needs of students. 

• Member of Student Services Team (SST).  Attends problem-solving team meetings, such as IIT or SST, and grade level team meetings, as assigned, during the scheduled workday. 

• Assists in planning students’ schedules and programs. 

• Works in collaboration with other Students Services staff. 

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 of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to assignment and instructional goals and policies of Howard County Public School System. 

• Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior. 

• Ability to exhibit patience and to work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members. 

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions in order to perform all required tasks. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in both written and oral forms.  

• Ability to use basic knowledge of technology and keyboarding to support student learning, including application of basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs 

• Ability to work with small groups of students and assist with instruction.  

• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Follow the directions of the teacher, which may include reinforcing instruction presented by the teacher.  

• Teach and model appropriate social-emotional behaviors. 

• Demonstrate flexibility to work with students, staff, parents, and administration. 

• Demonstrate strong human relations skills. (This position will involve consistent contact and interaction with administrators, co-workers, school staff, students, parents, and the community).  

• Demonstrate knowledge of, or willingness to learn, high school curricular content in order to provide   supplementary instruction and assist students with their work (High School Paraeducators only) 

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 

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance. 

• Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. 

• Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements.  

• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office 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 use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others. 

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 a full-time position is 7.5 hours per day including an unpaid, thirty-minute duty-free lunch.  

• Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. 

SELECTION CRITERIA