Educational Assessor, Special Education chez Hcpss

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 prior 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.

The Educational Assessor, Special Education will work under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services as part of the school-age Child Find team.  The Educational Assessor, Special Education, will possess expertise in assessing students age 5-21 in all academic areas using formal and informal measures. As a vital member of the County Diagnostic Center, the Assessor, Special Education will play a crucial role in accurately identifying students' academic needs and supporting their academic success through comprehensive assessment and culturally sensitive practices.

This position has an anticipated start date during the current school year. Applicants currently employed with another Maryland public school system are responsible for verifying eligibility for release for this non-supervisory position if selected.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Preferred Education:

Possession of a master's degree in special education or related field.

Certification/Licensure:

Certification/Licensure Priority will be given to applicants who:

Holds a current Maryland State Department of Education Professional certificate or license in the following areas:

• Generic Special Education Infant/primary (birth - grade 3)

• Generic Special Education Elementary/middle (grades 1-8)

• Generic Special Education Secondary/Adult (grades 6-adult)

OR

Holds a current out-of-state educator certificate and is eligible for a Maryland State Department of Education educator certificate with the appropriate endorsement in Special Education. Consideration may be given to applicants who:

• Have completed all requirements to be eligible for a Professional Maryland State Department of Education certificate/license in the appropriate licensure area at the time of application.

Out-of-state applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the application process for educator licensure with the Maryland State Department of Education in addition to uploading all required materials to your HCPSS employment application.

Holds or be eligible for a National Provider Identifier (NPI) issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

(CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) and must be actively enrolled in Maryland 

Medicaid. Employees not holding NPI or Maryland Medicaid enrollment upon hire must apply for NPI within 10 days of employment and Maryland Medicaid immediately upon receipt of NPI. Employees must retain active NPI and Maryland Medicaid enrollment as a condition of employment. 

This position has an anticipated start date during the current school year. Applicants currently employed in HCPSS or with another Maryland public school system are responsible for verifying eligibility for release for this non-supervisory position if selected. 

Experience:

• Three years of special education teaching experience in a Prek-12 setting which includes administering educational assessment for special education students and participating in and case managing IEP meetings.

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.

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations and provide interpretation/report of assessment results of students' academic skills and abilities using formal and informal measures, dynamic assessment practices, and classroom observations for students age 5 through 21 in public, non-public, and private school settings.

• Conduct meetings to develop and review assessments for Individualized Education Program (IEP)’s and write service plans when appropriate for students attending parentally placed private/religiously affiliated schools.

• Communicate with families/caregivers to ensure they are engaged in the process and have full prior written notice of all proceedings

• Maintain accurate documentation of assessment results and other data that support this position.

• Provide consultation and collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including but not limited to school teams and Central Office leaders from the Department of Special Education in order to understand needs of the student in the educational setting.

• Maintain an up-to-date and accurate schedule of assessments in collaboration with other team members. Follow process for communicating how assessments are requested and completed.

• Stay informed about current research, best practices, and trends in education to inform assessment practices through discussions/research/trainings around assessment, disability, and methodologies suited to a student's strengths.

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

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

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.

• Comprehensive Assessment Procedures: Thorough knowledge of formal and informal assessment measures used to evaluate students aged 5-21 across all academic areas.

• Special Education Law and Regulations: Deep understanding of federal and state laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), as they relate to assessment, eligibility, and the provision of special education services.

• Child Development and Learning: Expertise in typical and atypical child development, learning theories, and the impact of various disabilities on academic performance and functional skills.

• Culturally Sensitive Practices: Knowledge of best practices for conducting culturally and linguistically responsive assessments to ensure equitable identification of student needs.

• Assessment Tool Administration and Interpretation: In-depth familiarity with the correct administration, scoring, and interpretation of a wide range of standardized and diagnostic tools relevant to special education.

• Assessment Administration: Highly proficient in the accurate selection, administration, and scoring of formal and informal assessments for students aged 5-21 in all academic areas.

• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Exceptional ability to synthesize and interpret complex assessment data from multiple sources to accurately determine a student's academic needs and educational disability, if any.

• Report Writing: Skill in writing clear, concise, and comprehensive psychological and educational reports that effectively communicate assessment results, diagnostic findings, and relevant educational recommendations to parents, educators, and other professionals.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Excellent ability to work effectively as a vital member of a multidisciplinary team, such as the School-Age Child Find team and the County Diagnostic Center.

• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain complex assessment findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including those with varying levels of special education knowledge.

• Accurate Needs Identification: Ability to play a crucial role in accurately identifying students' academic needs and supporting their academic success through comprehensive assessment.

• Culturally Responsive Practice: Ability to effectively implement culturally sensitive and equitable practices throughout the assessment process.

• Independent Judgment and Problem-Solving: Ability to exercise independent professional judgment when selecting assessment instruments, interpreting results, and formulating diagnoses and recommendations.

• Follow Direction and Guidance: Ability to work effectively under the direction of the Coordinator of Countywide Services and adhere to established procedures for the School-Age Child Find team.

• Maintain Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive student and family information with the utmost professionalism and maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with legal requirements (e.g., FERPA).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

Licensure

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

Prior to any employment offer, the selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record. For positions requiring a CDL, a query of your record will also be run in the Federal Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Working Hours

• 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch period daily.

• For HCEA-ESP Salaried include: The duty day for this position is 35 hours including a one hour/thirty-minute duty-free lunch.

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 considered.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
 
Supplemental Application Questions

This position requires applicants to provide a redacted copy of an educational assessment report that you have completed. Please upload your redated report in a separate file to the supplemental application questions section of the application.

• Name redacted sample of an educational assessment that you have completed.

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.

Applicants are required to provide a sample of an academic assessment during the application process.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA) employee bargaining unit. The current salary ranges for this position are on the 10-Month Special Education Teacher salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA Master Agreement which considers education and relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is exempt from overtime.

Telework Program

This position may be eligible to participate after the first 60 working days of employment. Telework schedules will be subject to approval and determined by the department and/or supervisor. 

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.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors.

All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.

Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E-Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

For questions regarding this posting, please contact Cathleen Maloney at [email protected].

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [email protected].

HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability,  sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.