Paraeducator, Instructional Pool

Position: Para educator, Instructional Candidate Pool
DESCRIPTION Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal, and with direct guidance from licensed teachers and specialists, the Instructional Para educator provides hands-on support to students individually or in small groups throughout the school day. This role focuses on helping students with academic, behavioral, and language skills, including those with disabilities and multilingual learners. The para educator follows students’ special plans such as IEPs and 504 Plans, works with the instructional team, participates in planning, and tracks student progress.

By providing individualized support, this position helps ensure all students have equitable opportunities to succeed and align with HCPSS’s mission to offer inclusive, effective learning for every learner. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
** Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.
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* Education:

** Additional Requirements for  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 PK-12 setting.
One (1) year of experience working with children with disabilities.  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.

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  Pedagogical Basics:
Knowledge of fundamental instructional methods and how to deliver content to small groups or individuals.  Inclusion Strategies:
Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and scaffolding techniques to support multilingual learners and students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  Behavioral Principles:
Familiarity with basic behavioral intervention strategies and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  Safety & Hygiene Protocols:
Knowledge of safe lifting techniques, body mechanics for positioning students, and standard precautions for hygiene and personal care.  Skills  Instructional Scaffolding:
Skill in modifying complex tasks into manageable steps to help students reach lesson objectives. Data Collection & Documentation:
Proficiency in accurately recording student progress, tracking intervention responses, and maintaining detailed logs for the instructional team. Active Supervision:
The ability to scan and monitor diverse environments (cafeterias, playgrounds, field trips) to preemptively identify safety risks. Communication:
Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with licensed teachers and the broader instructional team.  Abilities  Adaptability:
Ability to pivot instructional delivery based on real-time student needs and teacher guidance.  Empathy & Patience:
Ability to work supportively with students who face academic, linguistic, or physical challenges.  Physical Stamina:
Ability to remain on one's feet for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting or assisting with hygiene. Collaborative Mindset:
Ability to follow the lead of licensed professionals while contributing observations to the instructional team.  Situational Awareness:
Ability to maintain a high level of alertness to ensure student safety in unstructured environments like lunchrooms or off-site trips. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
** Physical Requirements
** 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. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 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…