Special Education Paraprofessional Jobs in Maryland

JOB SUMMARY

Performs duties under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or service provider to provide support and assist with the instructional program within the assigned school with specific responsibility for assisting in supervision and instruction of students with disabilities; observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction; and assisting students by providing for special health care needs and behavioral and social/emotional needs. Performs extensive and detailed data collection and documentation of each essential duty. The position may be 10 or 12 months depending on assignment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
• Assists in implementing instructional programs and lesson plans and provides instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities.
• Participates in the implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and behavioral plans by the IEP team for students with behavioral needs or other special conditions.
• Performs clerical tasks to assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Maintains data collection and documentation of activities, assignments and assistance provided to students.
• Attends meetings, professional development, medical and behavioral trainings.
• May assist with administering immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.), assists students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, bathroom, clothing, hygiene, and toileting, and applies and removes physical therapy appliances as instructed by the service provider according to the IEP plan.
• Assists students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning, in and out of wheelchairs; loading and unloading on the bus; transporting students in their wheelchairs in and around school and on field trips.
• Assists students with accessing their electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeder, etc.
• Assists with pre-lunch and lunch activities and monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• Other: To work in a Title I-funded school, 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment issued by ETS or NES, required.

Experience

• Previous experience working with students with disabilities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Considerable patience and the ability to work with students who have physical, cognitive and behavior challenges.
• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers.
• Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
• Ability to meet IEP goals and/or district benchmarks.
• Ability to present and/or reinforce learning concepts.
• Ability to ensure equipment is connected and functioning properly.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite-Word, Excel, Outlook and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• To work in a Title I-funded school, a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment, in lieu of 48 college credit hours, issued by ETS or NES required.
• Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Driving Requirements

• Driving is required to conduct bona fide Board business that is within the scope of employment in this position.
• Personal Vehicle

CAREER LADDER REQUIREMENTS

Qualification Requirements for Employment in Higher Grade as a New Hire or Transfer requires:

• Successful completion of 30 semester hour credits earned after July 1, 1993 from a Regionally Accredited college or university.

Qualification Requirements for Title I Facilities requires:

• New hires or transfers who have successfully achieved the Highly-Qualified ParaEducator status through successful completion of the ParaPro assessment or post-secondary education in accordance with the mandated requirements for Title I and/or relevant laws in place are eligible for placement at Grade 6 (Higher Grade). However, placement in Grade 6 (Higher Grade) is contingent on having met the aforementioned requirements and the school's Title I status. Grade placement may be reduced if the school no longer qualifies as Title I and/or you voluntarily transfer to a non-Title I Teacher Assistant position.

Eligibility for Consideration for Promotional Increase from Lower Grade to Higher Grade requires:

• Successful completion of 30 semester hour credits earned after July 1, 1993 from a Regionally Accredited college or university.
• Consistent maintenance of an effective and orderly work environment.
• Consistent compliance with general office procedures such as (1) standards contained in the AACPS Employee Handbook; (2) demonstration of discretion and excellent customer service; and (3) regular and punctual attendance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision

The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment

Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Weight & Force

Lifting and carrying requirements

• Up to 50 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Travel Requirements

• 20% daily day travel within the county to assist at locations (other schools, parks, libraries) as needed.

JOB INFORMATION

Approved Date: 4/1/2026

Established Date: 7/1/2014

Title Code: D33053

Title: TEACHER ASSISTANT: SPECIAL EDUCATION

Alternate Title: Teacher Assistant: Special Education

Reports to Generic: Principal

Reports to Specific: PRINCIPAL

ORGANIZATION

Division: Academics

Business Unit: Specialized Instruction & Early Intervention

Department:

Negotiated Agreement: Secretaries and Assistants Association of Anne Arundel County (SAAAAC)

HR JOB INFORMATION

Unit: IV

Days Worked: 191; 260

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Grade: SG05;SG06

Essential Job:

Months Worked: 10;12

Hours Worked: 7

Job Family: Educational Support Services

Sub-Function: Classroom Assistants