Compass Academy Instructional Health Assistant; Special Education focus

Position: Compass Academy Instructional Health Assistant (Special Education focus) (2026-2027)
This position is for the  school year.

BCPS/Compass Academy is looking for a motivated individual to assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in the classroom setting.

Program Overview:

Compass Academy is an intensive program that provides ongoing support for students during school and throughout breaks and in the summer. The program focuses on individualized support, including the use of Community Support Associates (CSAs) with mental health training. Student transportation and meals (breakfast and lunch) are provided during school sessions. The program is committed to maintaining students' connection to their home schools.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administer first aid and medications according to established policies and procedures.
• Perform a broad variety of health services for students.
• Assist teacher with crisis intervention and physical restraints of students.
• Assist students with personal hygiene needs: toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.
• Tutor individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
• Participate as member of an instructional team including remediation teams.
• Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
• Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information.
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Learn child guidance principles and practices.
• Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Print and write legibly.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Monitor, observe and report students behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate instructional and office equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and physically restrain and control a student up to 150 pounds with assistance.

Position Details

Hours: 6.5 hours per day (plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch)

Contract Length: 183 days per year

• 170 student instructional days
• 4 holidays
• 7 planning days
• 2 extended days

Contract Adjustments: Contracted days will be prorated based on the start date

Employment Status:
Full-time with benefits

Employment Type: 10-month employee on the classified pay schedule

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education: Must meet one of the following:
• 48 college semester hours
• An Associate's Degree OR
• High school diploma plus a passing score on the Para educator Assessment Exam.
• Documentation: Candidates must provide proof of educational requirements to HR upon recommendation for hire.

Compensation & Experience Credit

Pay Scale

• Starting Pay (Step
  0): $16.46/hour
• Experienced Pay (Step 10): $20.26/hour

We value experience! Previous experience working with students, intervention systems, and small-group instruction is strongly desired.

New hires may bring up to 10 years of comparable, full-time, verified experience.

• The hired applicant is responsible for submitting the BCPS…