FYParaeducator Level III, Special Education Classic Autism​/Silver Creek MS; Ad

Job Description - FY27:
Para educator Level III, Special Education Classic Autism, 7hrs/10mos, Silver Creek MS (Ad closes 6/19/26)

Job Specific Information:
The wage range for this position is between $27.67 and $41.87 per hour, based on years of service.

The person hired for this position will work in our Classic Autism program. Students in this program range from nonverbal to varying degrees of verbal abilities and may require support with toileting. The staff member will support in the classroom, transitions in the hallway, during lunch, and getting students on and off their bus.

At the direction of the principal, this para educator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well‑being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The para educator may be required to assist students with various needs related to academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support. Successful student support will include attending to student personal care and medical needs and may require working with students that display physical and/or verbal aggression.

The para educator may participate with students in learning activities off of school grounds. The work is focused on facilitating student mastery of grade‑level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. Students supported at this level typically participate in specialized instructional settings throughout the school day. This position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments.

All new para educators are hired at a grade 17 and have the opportunity to promote to a grade 18 after successfully completing the six‑month probationary period and required training hours.

Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required. Outside duty may be required. Must be able to accommodate flexible scheduling and location changes as needed. Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with the assignment special education services is required within 6 months of starting in the position.

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to the assignment, and instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools.
• Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to exhibit patient behavior and to work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to perform all required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read/write/speak English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software such as Google Workspace, MS Office, and web‑based instructional tools.
• Knowledge of and the ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

These requirements are in order of preference:

• Associate's degree, required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. College coursework should include a minimum of nine credit‑hours related to education, such as behavior management or instructional strategies.
• One year of experience working with students in structured educational situations preferred.
• If no related education coursework, then two to four years of experience working with children and adolescents in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre‑school, etc., required.
• At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre‑school, adult day program, after‑school program, extended day, or school/non‑school based department.
• Successful completion of the Para Pro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required.
• Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills may be considered.

Certificate and license requirements:
None.

• Job Grade: 17–18 (Optimal Qualified)
• Organization:
  Silver Creek Middle School
• Primary
  
  Location:
  
  Kensington
• Schedule:
  
  Full‑time | .875 (70 hours bi‑weekly)
• Working Months: 10
• Shift: Day Job
• Job Posting:
  Job Description – MCPS Official