Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for Special Education Instructional Assistants-HQ.  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. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Supports teacher in work with individual students and students in small groups in order to reinforce and promote academic and behavioral successes; 
• Obtains daily lessons and class work of assigned students from teachers and returns it during teachers’ planning period the next day in order for students to remain current with their class work; 
• Serves as a liaison between the teacher and student and monitors attendance, behavior, and academic progress; 
• Employs instructional strategies and materials that are most appropriate for achieving stated objectives when formal instruction is necessary;  
• Assists the administration in implementing all the policies and rules Governing student conduct; 
• Adheres to and develops such procedures as necessary for the success of the in-school suspension program; 
• Attends faculty/staff meetings;  
• Participates in staff in-service programs as assigned; 
• Performs other duties as assigned; 
• 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.