Paraeducator, Science

Job Title

The person in this position works under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal. With direct supervision from a science department head/certified teacher, works with groups of students in science laboratory. This person performs clerical work as assigned. Performance is evaluated periodically.

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

• 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 .
• or
• 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.

• Experience working with students in a K-12 setting.

The list below is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Prepares science laboratories for students.
• Insures adequate equipment and supplies.
• Implement appropriate safety and chemical control measures.
• Assists in the supervision of student laboratory assistants.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Basic knowledge of recordkeeping methods.
• Ability to learn and follow science safety regulations.
• Ability to follow oral and written directions for setting up science laboratory activities and maintaining science equipment and supplies.
• The ability to follow directions from the teacher, which may include the reinforcing of instruction presented by the teacher.
• Ability to monitor small, as well as large, groups of students.
• Ability to discuss individual student progress with teachers.
• Ability to discuss problems affecting student progress with the assigned teacher.
• Ability to demonstrate strong human relations skills.
• Ability to have strong, positive communication and interaction skills when dealing with staff, students, administrators, parents, and/or the community.
• Ability to attend professional development sessions.
• Ability to coordinate daily activities or schedules.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to a variety of situations.
• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.
• Ability to maintain a system for keeping track of requested actions and reports.
• Ability to count money accurately and prepare it for bank deposits.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Environment

• School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor settings 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 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 offices 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.