Paraeducator- Special Ed.- Deaf and Hard of Hearing- Villa Cresta

Under the direct supervision direction of a teacher, assists students by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well being. Duties involve working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing, individually and in groups, providing life skills management assistance, reinforcing instruction, assisting with classroom management and assisting students on and off of buses. Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

HS diploma, or equivalent, plus 48 college credits or successful completion of the MSDE ParaPro Assessment required. Experience working with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, including students with additional developmental, emotional, learning and/or physical disabilities is preferred. One year experience working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing in structured situations is preferred. Demonstrate skills to directly communicate with students who are deaf and hard of hearing using a variety of communication modalities, including: spoken language, American Sign Language (ASL), and simultaneous communication (Sim-com) through conceptually accurate sign communication and spoken language.

Licenses and Certificates:

none

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of working with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing and may have additional developmental, emotional, physical and/or learning disabilities. Knowledge of the educational system, including working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing in an inclusive setting. Skill in communicating effectively through American Sign Language (ASL), conceptually accurate Signed English (CASE), and spoken language. Skill in establishing rapport with students, their families, employers, and staff. Skill in training. Ability to provide classroom, communication, and instructional support to students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Ability to supervise students and manage behavior. Ability to operate a computer and learn software programs. Ability to maintain confidential information.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

The work of this class entails physical efforts such as lifting heavy objects and frequent bending and climbing. Some positions may also require assistance with toileting.

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt Salary:

Grade 31-35 depending on education. $21.12-$34.83 (Hourly Base Pay Scale for Non-Exempt Paraeducators Represented by ESPBC, Effective July 1, 2024)

Benefits:

BCPS offers a comprehensive benefits program for eligible employees including options for medical plans, dental plans, vision, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, and 403(b)/457 plans. Other benefits include sick, paid holidays, personal business, and bereavement days, and flexible leave options such as FMLA, sick bank, and board approved leaves. All new hires will attend a benefits and retirement orientation upon hire. Eligible for membership in the Maryland State Retirement System. Visit the BCPS website for additional information about benefit plans for BCPS employees at https://www.bcps.org/hr/compliance/benefits_and_retirement

Revised:

07/2009, 05/2013, 7/2017 This class specification defines the types of duties and level of difficulty of work required of positions in this title. It shall not be held to exclude duties not mentioned nor limit the right of management to assign work to employees.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Assists teachers in planning, implementing and evaluating instructional lessons, materials, strategies and materials to meet the individual and collective needs of students. Assists students individually or in groups with instructional activities, skills reinforcement activities, recreational play, supervision of field trip experiences and special programs. Helps maintain an attractive, neat and safe classroom. Assists in the monitoring, care and maintenance of hearing assistive technology for the deaf and hard of hearing (e.g., DM/FM systems). Assists in implementation of classroom accommodations and modifications identified on the students' Individualized Education Plans. This includes, but not limited to captioning, visuals, preferential/strategic seating, and communication skills strategies. May assist and/or train students (up to 21 years of age) in self-care, and personal grooming to include such activities as undressing, dressing, teeth brushing, toileting, and diapering. Adjusts braces, walkers and wheelchairs when applicable. Pushes, lifts, and transfers non-ambulatory students and assist students on and off buses. May assist students with feeding, when required. Assists teacher in monitoring student behavior while in the classroom and the school area. Observes and gathers assessment data on students. Discusses observations/progress of students with instructional staff.