Special Education Instructional Assistant-HQ ($24,371+)

Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a Special Education Instructional Assistant-HQ for the 2026 -2027 school year at North Dorchester Middle School. This position will assist school staff in the development and implementation of a safe, comfortable, efficient, and motivating educational environment for students in an inclusion classroom setting. Working under the direction of the school principal and the special education supervisor, this position works with students in decision making, interpersonal development, and academic growth by providing the strategies, resources, and instruction to enable each student to meet the demands of the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards in adherence to the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs general instructional-related duties, including duplicating materials, preparing materials, and working with students to enrich or reinforce instruction.
• Works under the direct supervision of and in close proximity with a highly qualified teacher.
• Assist the teacher and other professionals through general supervision of students.
• Maintains required records and corrects tests and homework papers when appropriate.
• Provides instruction to students in accordance with the teacher's plans and instructions in individual or small group settings.
• If assigned to special education, the assistant will provide one-to-one assistance enabling students to accomplish goals and objectives included in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Promotes goodwill, understanding, and acceptance of the county's programs and actions.
• Provides for appropriate medical and hygienic needs of students. This includes such things as toileting, diapering, toilet training, lifting/positioning, and oral feeding.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.
• Participate in staff in-service programs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deemed Highly Qualified according to MSDE standards by possessing an Associate’s Degree, 48 college credits, or successful completion of the Paraprofessional examination.
• Previous experience in a classroom setting preferred.
• Familiarity with accepted practices and procedures in working with students, to include those with behavioral problems.
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of understanding and acceptance of all children and interest in the education of students with special needs.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Ability to accept supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires the ability to provide hands-on assistance with student personal care, including changing, dressing, hygiene, and other activities of daily living. The employee must be able to safely lift, transfer, reposition, and physically assist students as needed and must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform other physical activities necessary to support student needs.

Please Note:

• Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal candidates will be considered alongside external applicants, and only those whose qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for an interview.