Inclusion Companions

Position Summary/Class Description BRIEF DESCRIPTION :Individuals with disabilities are provided a companion to assist them inintegrating into a general recreation program/event. Inclusion companions may also work in thebefore – and after-school recreational licensed childcare programs and/or fullday care programs.

ork hours and location vary.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Actively and responsibly supervise theperson/persons to whom you are assigned. Coordinate with the program director/leaders to adapt activities whennecessary; assist the individual with the disability to access all facets ofthe program; maintain behavior protocols when necessary; assist with activitiesof daily living; use a task analysis approach to activities when necessary;communicate daily/weekly with parents or counselors. If the individual with the disability doesnot require one-on-one attention during the entire activity, the companionwould then assist in basic program duties. Complete all necessary paperwork.

Minimum Required Education/Experience SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with various types of disabilities; ability to advocate for individuals with disabilities to promote social inclusion within the program; work well with large and small groups; be aware of safety concerns regarding the individual; ability to enforce behavior management strategies when necessary; possess an attitude of enthusiasm and commitment in providing recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Must be 16+ years old or older. If working in a licensed childcare program, must meet O.C.C qualification guidelines.

Experience Level I: No experience or less than one year experience working with individuals with

disabilities; will work with individual with mild disability.

Level II: More than one year experience working with individuals with a disability;

Experience Working With Mild To Moderate Disabilities. Level III: More than one year experience working with individuals with disabilities with

mild to severe disabilities. Course work in recreation, psychology, special

education or related field required.

Level IV: Bachelor’s degree or higher, or extensive course work in psychology, sociology,

recreation, special education or related field. Two years or more working with

individuals with mild to severe disabilities; specific expertise in behavior

management, sign language or other specialty; will work with more severe

disabilities.

EDUCATION: Depends on the specific placement regarding level of disability, specific accommodation needed and level of independence that the individual with the disability possesses.

RATE OF PAY: CONTINGENT

Range Salary commensurate with experience and on specific skills needed.

Level I: $17.00 to $18.50/hour Contingent/Paraprofessional

Level II: $18.50 - $19.50/hour Contingent/Paraprofessional

Level III: $19.50 - $20.50/hour Contingent/Paraprofessional

Level IV: $20.50 - $24.00/hour Contingent/Paraprofessional

Additional Information TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted. Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at [email protected]. Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application. Employees in this category may not be eligible for all County benefits.