Education ​/ Teaching Assistant, Special Needs ​/ Learning Disabilities

Job Title

Under the direction of the classroom teacher or special educator, who is the case manager for students with Individual Educational Programs, assists special and general educators by providing non-instructional support and assistance to students with moderate to severe disabilities to meet requirements necessary for participation in the school environment. Performs other duties as required.

Examples of Duties:

• Provide direct assistance and support to students so that they can participate as independently as possible in their least restrictive educational environment. Leads small group activities under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Provides support for student communication, which includes using a variety of communication devices/systems.
• Provides accommodations and supplementary aids as outlined in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• May facilitate the student's use of mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs, leg braces, walkers, and prone standers.
• Assist and supervise students during mealtimes, which may include support in obtaining food from the cafeteria, serving food, and facilitating self-feeding.
• Assists in maintaining discipline and encouraging appropriate on-task behavior by the student.
• Accompanies the student on curricular/field trips to provide for personal needs.
• Provides opportunities to practice goal-related skills during daily routines and to collect data.
• Supports students in managing their behavior by implementing classroom and school wide supports and, when applicable, individual behavior intervention plans.
• Provides refocusing prompts for students as necessary. Rephrases directions as required.
• Assists students with transitions. Establishes rapport with students and maintains a positive relationship.
• Assists students with aspects of toileting and self-care, which may include diapering, lifting on and off the toilet, and changing tables/mats, toileting systems, and hygiene.
• Carries out special instructions regarding special physical handling, care, or exercises required by the student.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training, and Experience:

• Possession of a high school diploma or an appropriate equivalent is preferred.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of school and classroom rules and activities. General knowledge of special education. Skill in verbal communications. Skill in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships. Skill in working closely with individuals. Skill in providing assistance and support to students. Ability to follow and enforce safety and disciplinary rules. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, teachers, and other school personnel.

Physical and Environmental Conditions:

• The work of this class entails physical activities and is classified as medium physical demands, which include frequent walking, sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, reaching, standing, climbing, lifting, and carrying, as well as related physical duties associated with assisting students.
• FLSA:
  Non-exempt
• Salary: 18.00 per hour

Benefits: BCPS offers limited benefits for temporary employees that may include 403(b)/457 plans, paid sick and safe leave accruals, and access to credit union benefits.

Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)._retirement

Please read and carefully follow the instructions provided below.

• Applicants are required to have a completed application on file for employment with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Information on your resume and application must match. This information is necessary for salary determination should you receive an offer of employment.
• Professional references must be submitted to complete your application. Examples of professional references include current and former principals, supervisors, managers, mentor teachers, and university/college supervisors. Personal references from colleagues, friends, community members, etc.,…