1.0 Permanent Educational Assistant - Congregate Classroom

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board; Midland; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is seeking an Educational Assistant to support students with communication disabilities and autism in a congregate classroom. The role collaborates with the Special Education Resource Teacher to provide attendant care and safety support.

The position is 33.83 hours per week with schedule to be determined by the Principal. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience with school-aged children with Autism or communication disorders.
• Training in crisis management and de-escalation strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate positively and work in a team.
• Ability to support youth to develop skills and independence.
• Experience with self-regulation, social and life skills, and transition planning.
• Ability to act quickly to ensure student safety in escalated situations.
• Experience with assistive communication technology is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support students with communication disabilities in a congregate classroom.
• Provide attendant care and safety support in collaboration with the Special Education Resource Teacher.
• Contribute to the development of students' communication and life skills.
• Maintain safety of students, including those prone to elopement, in escalated situations.

Skills

Autism experience

Crisis management training

Communication & teamwork

Youth skill development

Behavioral support & de-escalation

Safety in escalated situations

Assistive technology for communication

Education

College or University degree in human services or Educational Assistant credential

Tools

Assistive technology devices for communication

Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with students with communication disabilities and/or a diagnosis of Autism in a congregate classroom setting. The Educational Assistant, as a professional and integral member of the school team, is responsible for providing support to students with attendant care and safety needs in the congregate classroom, in collaboration with the Special Education Resource Teacher.

This position works 33.83 hours per week; schedule to be determined by the Principal.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

The successful candidate will bring the following skills and experiences to the role:

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with school-aged children with a diagnosis of Autism or other communication disorder identifications;
• Training in crisis management and de-escalation strategies (such as Behaviour Management Systems Training);
• Demonstrated positive communication skills and ability to effectively work as part of a collaborative team;
• Ability to support youth to develop skills and gain independence through strategies identified as best practices for youth with Autism or communications disorders;
• Skilled in the area of communication, self-regulation, behaviour de‑scalation strategies, social skills, life skills, and transition planning;
• Ability to think on their feet and act quickly in escalated situations, including maintaining safety of students who are predisposed to elope;
• Experience with assistive technology devices for communication is an asset;
• College Diploma or University Degree in a human services field, or an Educational Assistant Apprenticeship Certificate, from an accredited post‑secondary institution.

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request.

As a condition of employment, new employees to SMCDSB are required, by legislation,

to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Reconciliation through Education, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at the SMCDSB.

THE BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNE EMPLOYER