Special Education Paraeducator
St. Mary's County Public Schools
Spring Ridge Middle School
- Lexington Park, Maryland This job is also posted in St.
Mary's County Public Schools, Maryland
Job Details
Job ID:
5789409
Application Deadline:
Jul 02, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Aug 18, 2026
Job Description
Release Date:
June 18, 2026
Application Deadline:
July 2, 2026
Requisition:
12261
Current benefited staff of SMCPS who submit a timely application and meet the minimum qualifications for the position shall be granted an interview and shall be considered to fill the vacancy prior to external applicants being considered. Questions regarding your application and/or candidacy should be directed to the Department of Human Resources.
Position:
Special Education Paraeducator
Location:
Spring Ridge Middle School
Salary:
The salary for this position will be based on
EASMC-ESP
salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees
Effective:
August 2026
APPLICATION
PROCEDURES
Qualified applicants, including current employees of St. Mary's County Public Schools, must complete a TalentEd online application. In addition to the online application, any supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of the certification, where applicable) must be scanned and uploaded to the TalentEd application. The online application and any support documentation must clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets the minimum qualifications, including information about the applicant's background, experience, and professional qualifications. Failure to submit all required documentation will result in your application being considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be forwarded to the selection committee for review. All online applications must be completed no later than July 2, 2026. Following a screening of credentials, interviews will be scheduled. Please contact the Department of Human Resources with questions. (301-475-5511, ext. 32187)
NATURE OF WORK
The Special Education Paraeducator works under the direction of the building administrator, classroom teacher and other school/central office resource staff to provide services and support to students with disabilities and to support the full implementation of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) /Individual and Family Service Plan (IFSP).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ability to professionally relate to and collaborate with co-workers, students, and community members
Ability to understand and maintain confidentiality
Ability to use technology effectively to complete tasks
Ability to report to work daily and on time
Ability to work independently
Ability to follow both written and verbal instructions
Ability to work under pressure
Possess knowledge of the programs, policies, and procedures of the St. Mary's County Public School System
Possess effective organizational skills
Possess effective written and oral communication skills
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists students with developmental needs with adaptive and daily living skills, which may include movement, toileting, feeding, dressing, self-help, and positioning in adaptive equipment/devices
Meets with the teacher on a regular basis to plan for and review instructional programs
Implements instructional/behavioral plans and protocols in accordance with the student's Individualized Education Program/Individual and Family Service Plan
Collects data on academic/behavioral programs as directed by the special education teacher and school-based/county-based administrators
Provides instructional/behavioral/self-help assistance to students as necessary throughout the school day
Possesses and maintains CPI certifications when assigned to regional programs (COMPASS, TIDES, SAIL, LAP, PSSE, and Infants & Toddlers)
Maintains appropriate safety standards while assisting students during arrival and departure times
Assists the teacher and/or other professionals in record keeping
Keeps required materials readily available for follow-up activities
Operates and maintains equipment specific to their assigned area
Assists teachers with preparation of classroom-based materials, appropriate learning activities and supports
Accompanies and supports students to special areas classes, related arts, lunch/recess, and field trips
Performs other related and non-related job duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
High School Diploma or GED
Forty-eight (48) semester college credits OR a passing score on one of the following Paraprofessional Assessments (documents must be uploaded in application):
ParaPro
- prior to August 2026
ParaPathways
- 5757
Foundations of Classroom Support
- 517
Foundations of Classroom Support and Instruction
- 519
For Pre-K paraeducators: must have an associate degree OR CDA licensure by July 1, 2027, OR 5 years of publicly funded Pre-K experience prior to July 1, 2024
Preferred:
Related college classes or training
Experience working with children
TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Full-time ten-month position.
SALARY GRADE RANGE
The salary for this position will be based on
EASMC-ESP
salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees
BARGAINING UNIT ELIGIBILITY
EASMC-ESP
Updated 07.2024, 5.2025, 2.2026, 04.2026
Position Type:
Full-Time
Salary:
$27,999 to $42,351 Per Year
Job Requirements
High School/Trade School degree preferred.
Citizenship, residency or work visa required