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:

5945807

Application Deadline:

Oct 14, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Yesterday

Starting Date:

Immediately

Job Description

Release Date:

September 30, 2026

Application Deadline:

October 14, 2026

Requisition:

12545

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

• Range 9. ($27,999
• 42,351)
  

Effective:

October 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 October 14, 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

Attends to toileting and diapering needs of students enrolled in the program

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

• Range 9.

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