Testing Assistant

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 position description below carefully and review our application instructions. Be sure your application reflects experience and education to meet any minimum qualifications listed on the job description. Once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. More details about application requirements are found below.

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:

08-18-2025

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

DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Principal and/or School Testing Coordinator (STC), this individual works with administrators, teachers, and students in all aspects of school-based testing. This individual also performs clerical work of a confidential nature. Performance is evaluated annually.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent (must scan and upload to the online application at the time of submission). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here 

Additional Requirements for Title I Schoolwide Program Schools 

• High School Diploma/GED Equivalent and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. 

                                                          or 

• 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university. 

Experience:

• Experience working with students in a K-12 setting is desired but not required

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.

• Assists in preparing testing materials for all school-based testing including the distribution, inventory and ordering of secure materials.
• Assists in conducting in-service training for school-based personnel prior to testing.
• Assists in providing on-going communication and support to test examiners, accommodators, proctors and administrators on all aspects of federal, state, and county-mandated tests and assessments.
• Supports the STC with properly identifying students for assessment participation.
• Supports the STC in identifying and providing appropriate accommodation for testing.
• Assists with the security of testing materials and the reconciliation of any missing testing materials.
• Assists the STC with staff training, test scheduling, assignment of proctors and testing areas.
• Maintains current and past student testing data and records.
• Performs clerical work of a confidential nature.
• Supports the collection of testing materials to ensure accountability of those materials.
• Assists the STC in reporting the filing of any testing irregularities.
• Assists the STC in maintaining monetary records and coordinates with the School Financial Bookkeeper when filing internal Direct Payment Request.
• Supports the STC in creating and managing online testing sessions.

Employee Safety

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting the same to the appropriate administrator.

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.

• Ability to learn and follow testing regulations in compliance with federal, state and county- mandated guidelines
• Ability to always maintain confidentiality
• Ability to follow oral and written directions for testing preparation, distribution of materials, procedures and collection of testing materials
• Ability to have strong, positive written and oral communication and interaction skills when dealing with co-workers, students, administrators, parents and/or the community
• Ability to maintain communication with students, faculty and testing agencies concerning testing regulations and dates
• Ability to maintain an organized tracking and filing system of student scores Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a variety of situations
• Ability to prioritize, perform multiple tasks and work with frequent interruptions Ability to monitor small and large groups of students
• Ability to lift 25 pounds
• Ability to perform clerical work including but not limited to producing letters, reports memorandums, etc. via the computer, make photocopies and filing
• Knowledge of the Student Information System
• Knowledge of various software to include Microsoft Office and Google Docs Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

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 Environment 

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

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

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

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

Physical Requirements 

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

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

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

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

• 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. 

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

• 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 

• The duty day for a full-time position is 7.5 hours per day including an unpaid, thirty-minute, duty-free lunch.  

• 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 accepted in lieu of a completed application.

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.

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Compensation

This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. The current salary range for this position is Grade VI on the HCEA-ESP salary scale. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers prior experience relevant. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is not exempt from overtime.  

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 Denise_Lee@hcpss.org

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email humanresources@hcpss.org.

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.