SRCE-26-656, SMECA, Term Teacher Assistant

CSAP; Antigonish; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) invites applications for a Term Teacher Assistant at St Mary's Education Centre Ac. The role supports personal care, behavior management, and instructional assistance under supervision, with a 7-hour day bus route to Newtown.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and approved teacher assistant training, plus CPR/First Aid. Equity-focused recruitment welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples and other groups.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Teacher assistant training through a recognized diploma or certificate program, or an equivalent training program.
• CPR and First Aid certification current or willingness to obtain prior to employment.
• Current Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience with managing children or youth with exceptional needs.
• Education and training in use of assistive technology (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Assist students with feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Administer medication and follow policies for student health.
• Assist students with mobility and positioning as per IPP or therapy plans.
• Supervise students to ensure a safe environment.
• Support operation of assistive devices and equipment.
• Assist students in dressing and undressing as required.
• Support instructional programs and materials prepared by teachers.
• Provide feedback to teachers on student observations.
• Accompany students to community placements and provide on-site support.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Experience with exceptional needs

Assistive technology experience

Education

High School Diploma

Teacher assistant training

CPR & First Aid certification

NVCI certification desirable

Tools

Computers

Assistive technology

Job description

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SRCE-26-656, SMECA, Term Teacher Assistant

As part of the public education system in Nova Scotia, the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) was established on April 1, 2018, to deliver the public school program focusing on supporting student learning, achievement, well-being and overall success. The Strait Regional Centre for Education, with the support of approximately 1,166 employees, works diligently to achieve its mission “to empower our children and youth, within safe, equitable and inclusive environments to embrace a changing world as responsible, contributing and successful lifelong learners.” In 2025-2026, the SRCE operates 20 schools with approximately 5,948 students; and approximately 375 children are attending pre‑primary programs at 14 school locations. Located in the northeastern part of Nova Scotia, the Strait Regional Centre for Education’s jurisdiction encompasses the counties of Antigonish, Guysborough, Inverness and Richmond, an area of approximately 11,000 square kilometres with a population of 53,742 (Census 2021).

Worksite: St Mary's Education Centre Ac

Work Schedule: 7 hours/day (bus run to Highway 347, Newtown)

Effective Dates: 11/23/2026 to 06/30/2027

Teacher Assistant

Job Responsibilities:

Personal Care: Under the direction of the supervising teacher and/or school team, the Teacher Assistant will:

• Assist students with feeding, with toileting needs and personal hygiene as required;
• Administer medication and carry out medical procedures under the direction of the school principal in accordance with Regional Centre for Education policy and the Department of Education and the Department of Health's policies and protocols on administering medication to students;
• Assist students to move about during the school day, including lifting and positioning students, exercising and supporting as outlined in their Individualized Program Plan (IPP) or physiotherapy/occupational therapy plan, assist when embarking and disembarking from transportation vehicles, and accompany students to community based educational programs as appropriate;
• Supervise students to ensure a safe environment;
• Assist the students in the operation of support equipment as needed;
• Assist students in dressing and undressing as required.

Behavior Management Support: Under the direction of the supervising teacher and/or school team, the Teacher Assistant will:

• Assist in promoting student’s emotional growth, well-being, and independence;
• Encourage the development of student dignity and self-esteem;
• Facilitate positive interactions among all students;
• Help motivate students and encourage student participation;
• Assist in the implementation of behavior management plans as developed by the teacher and/or school team.

Support for Instructional Program: Under the direction of the supervising teacher and/or school team, the Teacher Assistant will:

• Assist students in following programs, strategies, exercises and materials identified /developed and introduced by the teacher;
• Assist the teacher(s) in the preparation of material;
• Provide feedback to the supervisory teacher on his/her observations of students;
• Accompany students to and from community work placements and provide support within these programs, as necessary.

Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent;
• Teacher assistant training through a recognized diploma or certificate program, or an equivalent training program (i.e. - CCA, LPN), (A recognized program Will include a personal care course.);
• A school practicum which was organized by the institution of the diploma program, or the equivalent in personal care experience working in a residential group home setting or personal care setting;
• Ability to perform all the duties of this job, including the personal and physical care of students;
• Current certification in CPR and First Aid or willing to obtain prior to employment;
• Current Non-violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification (desirable);
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
• Education and training in the use of assistive technology, including computers (desirable);
• Experience and demonstrated ability in managing children or youth with exceptional needs;

The SRCE invites applications for the above noted position as we work together to create success for all students in our region. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the students we serve. The Centre for Education welcomes applications from Indigenous People, African Canadian and Other Racially Visible Persons, Members of the 2SLGBTQI++ Community, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represent­ed. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, we encourage you to apply and self‑identify on your application. Applicants with disabilities who require assistance during the application process may contact our HR Department ([e-mail]), to request reasonable accommodations.

All employees of the Strait Regional Centre for Education must provide a current (within the last months), and clear Criminal Record Check-Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry prior to employment with the Strait Regional Centre for Education

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