Educational Assistant - Complex Behavior and Inclusion

Prairie Land School Division 25; Hanna; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie Land Public School Division is seeking a dedicated Educational Assistant to support students with complex behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and learning needs within a regular school environment.

The role emphasizes individualized support, collaboration with teachers and specialists, and a commitment to inclusive participation in the school community. Central Office in Hanna, Alberta, calls for 30 hours per week starting as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• Educational Assistant certificate or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience supporting students with complex behaviors and diverse learning needs.
• Knowledge of positive behavior support, de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive education is an asset.
• Strong observation, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent, flexible, and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Commitment to student dignity, inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized behavior support and intervention strategies under the direction of the classroom teacher and Behavior Strategist.
• Provide proactive support to promote student regulation, engagement, and successful participation in learning.
• Respond calmly and safely to complex or challenging behaviors using positive, evidence-informed approaches.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, communication, social, coping, and problem-solving skills.
• Collect observations and behavioral data to monitor student progress and inform programming.
• Facilitate student participation and success within the regular classroom and broader school community.
• Encourage independence and work toward reducing reliance on adult support.
• Support successful transitions between activities, classrooms, and school settings.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, Behavior Strategists, school staff, families, and other professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of support.

Skills

Behavior support

De-escalation

Observation & communication

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Inclusion & dignity

Education

Educational Assistant certificate

Job description

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

COMPLEX BEHAVIOR AND INCLUSION

Competition #PLSD-2277

This position is currently posted internally to CUPE employees for 5 working days until 4:30 p.m. September 18, as per the CUPE Local 5829 Collective Agreement.

Prairie Land Public School Division is seeking a skilled and compassionate Specialized Educational Assistant to support students with complex behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and learning needs within a regular school environment.

Working collaboratively with the classroom teacher and Behavior Strategist, this position goes beyond traditional Educational Assistant support. The successful candidate will provide individualized support that helps students regulate, engage in learning, develop greater independence, and successfully participate in the school community.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized behavior support and intervention strategies under the direction of the classroom teacher and Behavior Strategist.
• Provide proactive support to promote student regulation, engagement, and successful participation in learning.
• Respond calmly and safely to complex or challenging behaviors using positive, evidence-informed approaches.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, communication, social, coping, and problem-solving skills.
• Collect observations and behavioral data to monitor student progress and inform programming.
• Facilitate student participation and success within the regular classroom and broader school community.
• Encourage independence and work toward reducing reliance on adult support.
• Support successful transitions between activities, classrooms, and school settings.
• Collaborate closely with teachers, Behavior Strategists, school staff, families, and other professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of support.

Qualifications & Experience

• Educational Assistant certificate or equivalent education and experience.
• Experience supporting students with complex behaviors and diverse learning needs.
• Knowledge of positive behavior support, de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive education is an asset.
• Strong observation, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent, flexible, and solution-focused in challenging situations.
• Commitment to student dignity, inclusion, independence, and meaningful participation.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity for an Educational Assistant who wants to take on a specialized role in supporting students with complex needs and make a meaningful difference in their school experience. The successful candidate will play an important role in helping students develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to participate successfully in their classroom and school community.

Prairie Land Public School Division is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

This is a full-time position working division-wide out of Central Office in Hanna, Alberta to commence as soon as possible. The position requires 30 hours per week. The successful applicant must be able to communicate effectively and professionally with students, teachers, and other staff members. You will be expected to present yourself as an organized and professional representative of the school division in all interactions, including in person, by telephone, and in written correspondence. Previous experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment would be considered an asset.

Competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Thank you to all applicants, but only those who will be interviewed will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Check satisfactory to PLRD prior to commencement. Please quote competition number on application.