Paraeducator, Library Media Candidate Pool

CompanyHoward County Public School System
LocationGeneral
Category-
Seniority-
Workplace-
Posted2026-08-23
Viaworkday

Description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin, please read the job posting below carefully including the Application Requirements specific to this position. Be sure your application reflects experience and education required to meet the minimum and any preferred qualifications listed. Our application guide includes detailed instructions to assist you. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes.

Please note that application submission will be available only through 11:59 PM on the date p rior to the indicated end date. If no end date is indicated, the posting will remain open indefinitely .

Job Posting End Date:

Reminder: Current permanent and temporary employees must apply through the Jobs Hub in Workday, not the external career site.

DESCRIPTION

Under the general supervision of the principal or assistant principal and direct supervision from a Media Specialist, the Library Media Paraeducator provides support for every aspect of library media center operations. The Library Media Paraeducator supports instruction, circulation of library materials, research, audio/visual components equipment, and clerical work. Performance is evaluated annually.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy .

Education

High School Diplo ma/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 School wide Program Schools

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High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a p assing score on the ParaPro Assessment .

or

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48 college credits or more from an a ccredited college or university .

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

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Experience working with students in a K-12 setting .

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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Assists the library media specialist with instruction.

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Supports the mission of the library media program.

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Organizes and performs assigned tasks with a high degree of accuracy.

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Assists students and staff with the use of computers, devices, other equipment, software, and applications.

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Assists students and teachers in finding print, digital resources and other materials.

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Understands and applies basic library organization systems such as Dewey Decimal, subject headings and keywords.

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Prepares, processes, receives orders and unpacks library media materials.

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Prepares library materials for circulation.

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Check in and out all library media materials using the library media automation system.

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Responsible for shelving and organizing library media materials efficiently and accurately.

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Maintains records, inventories and prepares overdue notices for media materials.

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Prepares correspondence and reports, such as bibliographies, reading lists, and announcements.

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Schedules equipment for use in the library media center and throughout the school.

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Prepares and maintains an updated list of equipment that is distributed daily.

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Assists with the maintenance of materials and equipment.

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Troubleshoots technology equipment and computer issues.

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Submit s purchase orders for library media materials using the electronic purchasing system.

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Trains library media volunteers and student assistants.

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Assists with the use of the video distribution system.

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Prepares bulletin boards, exhibits and other displays to create a library space that is a welcoming and positive learning facility.

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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.

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Ability to work as part of a team with flexibility, independently and cooperatively.

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Ability to maintain confidentiality when discussing students’ progress and concerns with

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staff.

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Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.

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Ability to reinforce lesson plans to support the educational program for student (s) .

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Ability to follow directions from the teacher, which may include reinforcing instruction presented by the teacher.

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Ability to provide personal attention to students on an individual basis.

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Ability to work with small groups of students and assist with instruction.

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Ability to discuss problems affecting students’ progress and with the teacher and, if so

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directed with other professional staff.

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Ability to carry out assignments to completion.

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Possess knowledge of technology and HCPSS required computers systems and devices.

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Ability to demonstrate strong human relations skills.

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Ability to have strong, positive communication and interaction skills when dealing with co - workers , students, administrators, families and/or the community.

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Ability to file alpha- numerically.

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Ability to perform clerical wor k

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Ability to attend professional development sessions during the scheduled work day.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Environment

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School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.

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Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.

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May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.

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May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.

Physical Requirements

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Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance .

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Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time.

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Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements .

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Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment.

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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.

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Requires visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children.

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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

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The duty day for a full-time position is 7 .5 hours per day including a n unpaid, thirty-minute , duty-free lunch.

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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 accept