DESCRIPTION 

Working under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education and Instructional Facilitator with direction from the Behavior Specialist, the Special Education K-12 Itinerant Behavior Paraeducator will work with students to facilitate and support individual Behavior Intervention Plans. This individual must be able to provide their own transportation to assigned schools. School assignment is dependent on student needs. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education 

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent (must scan and upload diploma or official transcript to online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here. 

Additional Requirements for Title I Schoolwide Program Schools 

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. 

or 

• 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Experience working with students in a PK-12 setting.  

• One (1) year of experience working with children with disabilities. 

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university. 

• Ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity/awareness. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form. 

• Ability to act in a professional manner in all circumstances.  

• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances. 

• Ability to be flexible when working with students and staff. 

• Ability to carry out assignments to completion. 

• Knowledge and understanding of positive behavior support.  

• Ability to communicate problems affecting student’s progress with the Behavior Specialist.   

• Ability to follow directions of the Behavior Specialist which may include supporting behavioral strategies presented to the school staff. 

• Proficient with a variety of office technology for communication, data collection, support logs. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Provide instructional support and assistance to the Behavior Specialist and the school-based instructional team who are implementing the Behavior Intervention Plans for students. 

• Support teachers and other members of the school-based instructional team in preparing instructional and behavioral support materials for students. 

• Provide data collection and clerical support to assist in tracking student progress and supporting Behavioral Intervention Plans.  

• Assist school staff in implementing Behavior Intervention Plans. 

• Assist with demonstrating behavioral interventions/strategies for the school-based team. 

• Attend monthly school-based and Department of Special Education team/staff meetings. 

• Prepare instructional materials. 

• Provide support for students transitioning between grade levels. 

• Provide support to transportation staff in the implementation of behavior plans while students are being transported.  

• Other duties as assigned. 

The above list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Working Environment 

• School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions. 

• Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc. 

• May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.  

• May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students. 

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance. 

• Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. 

• Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements (e.g., push/move wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, etc.). 

• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment. 

• Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area. 

• Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children. 

• Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others.  

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. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for a full-time position is 7.5 hours per day including an unpaid, thirty-minute duty-free lunch.  

• Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.