Special Education Para Educator
About the Employer
Special Education Paraeducator
Release Date: September 24, 2026 Application Deadline: October 8, 2026 Requisition: 12508 Current Benefited Staff of SMCPSS: Timely applications and meeting minimum qualifications grant an interview and consideration prior to external applicants. Contact Department of Human Resources for questions (301-475-5511, ext. 32187).
Position
Special Education Paraeducator
Location
Benjamin Banneker Elementary School
Salary
The salary 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 must complete a TalentEd Online application. Supporting documentation (unofficial transcript and/or copy of certification) must be scanned and uploaded. The online application and support documentation must clearly demonstrate meeting minimum qualifications. Failure to submit required documentation results in an incomplete application, which will not be forwarded for review. All online applications must be completed by October 8, 2026.
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 implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) /Individual and Family Service Plans (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 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.
• 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.
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 will be based on EASMC-ESP salary schedule for ten-month seven-hour employees � Range 9.
Bargaining Unit Eligibility
EASMC-ESP Updated: July 2024, May 2025, February 2026, April 2026