Paraeducator, Science

DESCRIPTION

The person in this position works under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal. With direct supervision from a science department head/certified teacher, works with groups of students in the science laboratory. This person performs clerical work as assigned. Performance is evaluated periodically.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all the 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 K-12 setting.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Prepares science laboratories students.

• Insures adequate equipment and supplies.

• Implement appropriate safety and chemical control measures.

• Assists in the supervision of student laboratory assistants.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Basic knowledge of recordkeeping methods.

• Ability to learn and follow science safety regulations.

• Ability to follow oral and written directions for setting up science laboratory activities and maintaining science equipment and supplies.

• The ability to follow directions from the teacher, which may include the reinforcing of instruction presented by the teacher.

• Ability to monitor small, as well as large, groups of students.

• Ability to discuss individual student progress with teachers.

• Ability to discuss problems affecting student progress with the assigned teacher.

• Ability to demonstrate strong human relations skills.

• Ability to have strong, positive communication and interaction skills when dealing with staff, students, administrators, parents, and/or the community.

• Ability to attend professional development sessions.

• Ability to coordinate daily activities or schedule.

• Ability to be flexible and adapt to a variety of situations.

• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.

• Ability to maintain a system for keeping track of requested actions and reports.

• Ability to count money accurately and prepare it for bank deposit.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.

• 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.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. This position is salary Grade VI on the Secretaries and Assistants salary scale. Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. General Education Paraeducators will receive an additional $.30 per hour. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.

Retirement

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.