S24054 - Educational Assistant - Secondary

Lethbridge School Division; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is looking for a dedicated Educational Assistant to join their inclusive team. This role is pivotal in supporting students with diverse needs, from behavioral challenges to complex physical disabilities. The successful candidate will work closely with students in a dynamic environment, fostering a positive educational experience. Responsibilities include adapting academic tasks, providing personal care, and implementing individualized support strategies. This position not only offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on students' lives but also emphasizes professional growth and ongoing learning. If you are passionate about inclusive education, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health and Dental Coverage

Health/Wellness Spending Account

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Pension Plan

Community Discounts

Life Balance with evenings and weekends off

Qualifications

• Experience with students with severe behavior challenges is necessary.
• Understanding of neurodiversity such as ASD, ODD, FASD, ADHD is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with varying needs.
• Implement individualized programs and Positive Behaviour Support Plans.

Skills

Empathy

Compassion

Patience

Adaptability

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

Grade 12 or Canadian Adult Educational Credential

Post-secondary certificate in Educational Assistant

Early Childhood Education

Tools

Sign Language

Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC)

Job description

S24054 - Educational Assistant - Secondary

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Educational Assistant

The Lethbridge School Division has an opening for an Educational Assistant commencing immediately.

Lethbridge School Division is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students that embraces diversity while functioning in a dynamic, innovative, and fast-paced environment. We are fortunate to learn from Indigenous communities and are committed to enhancing our understanding of the truths of our past so we can continue to move towards reconciliation.

To help support student success, we are seeking an empathetic, compassionate, optimistic, patient, and adaptable individual to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to the growth and development of students by learning alongside them and providing personalized support to create a positive, engaging educational experience.

The Educational Assistant works with students requiring targeted and specialized supports and services to effectively participate in their learning community. Responsibilities include assisting with and adapting academic tasks, implementing strategies intended to support socially appropriate behaviours, attending to physical and medical needs specific to individual students, and monitoring progress.

Educational Assistants work collaboratively within the school community to share information, reflect on the effectiveness of strategies, and suggest modifications to maximize student success. They primarily focus on identified students and will be adept at quickly developing trust and rapport with students and staff.

What will you do?

Applicants will work as a team to support students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with varying needs, including behavioural challenges and/or complex physical disabilities, developmental delays, and/or severe medical needs. Duties will include ensuring all students' safety at all times, implementing individualized programs, and carrying out Positive Behaviour Support Plans as developed by the student's Learning Team. Targeted behaviours may include severe opposition, hitting, kicking, spitting, biting, scratching, and throwing of objects.

Hours will be 29.50 hours/week scheduled Monday - Friday.

What do you need to succeed?

Training and/or experience working with students with severe behaviour challenges is necessary, as well as an understanding of neurodiversity, such as ASD, ODD, FASD, ADHD, and/or other behavioural disabilities. Preference will be given to candidates with proven experience executing Positive Behaviour Support Plans. Training and/or experience supporting students with Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy and/or Speech-Language acquisition needs would be an asset.

The successful candidate must have a willingness to provide personal care, lifting, and toileting support for students, with appropriate assistance and/or training provided as needed. The candidate may also be required to participate in community activities such as swimming and skating.

A strong understanding of Trauma Informed practice, resiliency, building connections, self-regulation supports and strategies, and conflict resolution skills is an asset. In addition, willingness to participate in ongoing professional learning is expected as our Division promotes a learner mindset for staff and students.

The successful candidate will be able to create rapport with all students and staff and adapt to dynamic learning environments. Being self-directed, flexible, and finding creative ways to connect with and regulate students are considered important skills. Additionally, strong communication skills and initiative in solving problems and creating opportunities for student success are essential.

Applicants will possess or develop a true working knowledge within early literacy and the speech and language acquisition process and have experience in supporting programs for students in their early years of development. Training and/or experience in sign language, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), and/or Hanen (Learning Language and Loving It/ABC & Beyond) are assets.

Locations Available

Chinook High School - 1 Position

Requirements

• Proof of Grade 12 or Canadian Adult Educational Credential (CAEC) as issued by an accredited Canadian Province or a Canadian post-secondary certificate or diploma in a related field such as Educational Assistant, Early Childhood Education, and Child & Youth Care.
• If you have obtained your education outside of Canada, the Division requires a copy of your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) confirming completion of high school or post-secondary equivalencies.

Conditions of Employment

• A police information check, including Vulnerable Sector Check from Police Services or an RCMP detachment that does not have any charges or convictions.
• A satisfactory Intervention Record Check from South Region Alberta Child and Family Services.
• Proof of photo identification may be a valid driver's license, provincial identification card as issued by a licensed government registry office, valid passport, or Nexus card.
• Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee's legal name.

Benefits

The wage range for this position is $21.63 - $23.99/hour depending on the candidate's education and experience.

Lethbridge School Division is committed to supporting and promoting the wellness of our employees through our diverse benefit plan. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our employees and their families, including:

• Health and Dental Coverage: 100% employer-paid premiums for health and dental care.
• Health/Wellness Spending Account (HSA/WSA): Access to a health/wellness spending account.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program: Free 24/7 confidential support.
• Pension Plan: Competitive retirement plan to support your future.
• Community Discounts: Exclusive discounts at various local community/fitness facilities within Lethbridge.
• Life Balance: Enjoy having evenings, weekends & school breaks off.

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students by supporting their individual needs and fostering success. If you are passionate about inclusive education and have the skills and dedication required for this role, we encourage you to apply.

Posting will remain open until 10:00 AM February 12, 2025.

Please note that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted regarding an interview.