Instructional Assistants-HQ (Behavioral Specialist) ($27,198+)

Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for Instructional Assistants-HQ (Behavioral Specialist) for the 2026 - 2027 school year at Sandy Hill Elementary School. Working under the direction of the school principal and the content supervisors, 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 and function of the overall classroom, assists individual students as well as students in small groups to reinforce and promote academic and behavioral successes.
• Assist classroom teacher in classroom behavior management.
• Implement and/or assist teaching staff with instructional programs and activities.
• Obtains daily lessons and class work of assigned students from teachers and returns it during teachers' planning period the next day 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.
• Supervision of students in school and community settings.
• Supervision of students during meal times and classroom transition times.
• Attends faculty/staff meetings as requested.
• Participates in staff in-service programs as assigned.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.
• Performs 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.