Achievement and Resilience; SOAR) Program Paraprofessional

Support, Opportunity, Achievement and Resilience (SOAR) Program Paraprofessional

Somerset County Public Schools CENTRAL OFFICE - Westover, Maryland Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Somerset County Public Schools (MD)

Starting Date: Immediately

Somerset County Public Schools is recruiting Support, Opportunity, Achievement and Resilience (SOAR) Program Paraprofessionals. Join a small but mighty district offering competitive salaries, a generous leave package, supportive leadership, and a strong sense of community.

The SOAR Paraprofessional provides instructional, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students in an Alternative Learning Classroom setting. Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher, the incumbent assists in implementing individualized educational plans, managing classroom dynamics, and fostering a safe environment conducive to students who require alternative behavioral or academic strategies.

• Instructional Support:
  Implements lesson plans and instructional activities as prescribed by the teacher; works with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.

• Behavioral Intervention:
  Implements positive behavior intervention strategies and formal Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). Assists in de-escalating student crises using state-approved techniques.

• Collaboration:
  
  Meets regularly with the instructional team to discuss student progress, daily planning, and classroom objectives.

• Documentation:
  Maintains accurate, confidential records of student performance, behavioral data, and interventions as required by Maryland state law and IDEA.

• Classroom Management:
  Maintains a secure, orderly, and therapeutic learning environment. Monitors students during non-instructional periods, including transitions, lunch, and recess.

• Student Advocacy:
  Acts as a positive role model, encouraging student self-regulation, academic confidence, and social-emotional growth.

• Safety & Compliance:
  Reports all safety concerns and incidents to administration immediately; adheres to all COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) regarding student discipline and restraint/seclusion.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

In accordance with Maryland MSDE requirements, candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and meet one of the following:

• Completion of at least 48 semester hours of study at an accredited institution of higher education; OR

• An Associate’s degree or higher; OR

• A passing score on the Para Pro Assessment (455 or higher).

• Preference:
  Prior experience in Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), or trauma-informed care.

• Communication:
  Proficiency in oral and written English to communicate effectively with students, parents, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Mathematical
  
  Skills:
  
  Ability to assist students with core mathematical concepts through the secondary level.

• Reasoning & Emotional Intelligence:
  Ability to remain calm, professional, and objective during high-stress behavioral incidents.

• Technical Proficiency:
  Competence in Microsoft Office Suite, educational software, and digital data-tracking tools.

• Physical Effort:
  Frequently required to stand, walk, and reach. Must be able to occasionally lift/move up to 50 lbs.

• Mobility:
  Must be able to respond quickly to student needs or elopement (running) if necessary.

• Environment:
  The noise level is typically moderate but may increase during behavioral episodes. Potential exposure to physical aggression from students requiring specialized intervention.

Position Type: N/A

Salary: $22,631 to $35,242 Per Year

Job Categories: Instructional Support >
Paraprofessional / IA

• Jacklyn Olischar , Human Resources Associate
• CENTRAL OFFICE
• Phone:
• Email: jolischar.md.us