Supply Paraprofessionals (Educational Assistants / Child and Youth Workers)

Waterloo Region District School Board; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A regional education authority is seeking Supply Paraprofessionals (Educational Assistants/Child and Youth Workers) to support students with special needs. The role is on an on-call basis from September to June, requiring effective communication and specific qualifications. Successful candidates will need to pass a physical demands test and provide a criminal background check.

Qualifications

• Educational Assistant Diploma or equivalent in child-related field.
• Experience working with children, especially those with special needs.
• Willingness to support diverse needs of students.

Responsibilities

• Support students with special needs under teacher supervision.
• Work on an on-call basis from September to June.

Skills

Support for special needs

Effective communication

Ability to work on short notice

Education

EA Diploma

Child-related degree

BMS Training Certificate

Job description

Overview

Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) serves approximately 65,000 students in 123 schools, as well as alternative and continuing education sites. WRDSB is committed to creating learning environments that support the achievement and well-being of all students through partnering with staff, parents, families, caregivers and communities to promote success in learning and life. Additional information regarding the Board is available on the Board’s website.

The Waterloo Region District School Board is currently seeking applications for ‘Supply Paraprofessionals (Educational Assistants/Child and Youth Workers)’. Supply Paraprofessionals will work under the supervision of the Administrator at the school that they have accepted the assignment for and receive direction from the teacher(s) at that site.

Supply Paraprofessionals may be required to support students with a variety of special needs. This work includes providing support for the behavior, safety, medical and physical needs of a student.

A condition of employment as an EA/CYW with WRDSB requires passing a Physical Demands test. All job offers are conditional on passing all components of this test. This applies to any EA/CYW that does not already have Permanent/LTO level D hours.

Successful candidates for the supply position will be working on an “on call” basis from September to June and be willing to complete all aspects of the role.

A site-specific note: Qualifications/Requirements

Responsibilities

• Provide support for students with a variety of special needs, including behavior, safety, medical and physical needs as directed by teachers and school administration.
• Work on an on-call basis from September to June and fulfill all aspects of the supply role as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

A supply Paraprofessional includes Educational Assistants and Child and Youth Workers. Applicants will be screened to determine if they qualify as an Educational Assistant only or if the education and experience qualifies the candidate as a Child and Youth Worker as well as an Educational Assistant.

Educational Assistant Qualifications

• EA Diploma
• Equivalent college or university degree in a Child Related field (certified teacher, Developmental Services Worker, Bachelor of Social Work, Social Services Diploma) along with experience working with children.
• Minimum six (6) month diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution in a child-related discipline and a minimum of one (1) year of related work experience (1224 hours) preferably directly supporting children with special needs and deemed equivalent by the Board.
• Minimum six (6) month certificate from an accredited educational institution in a child-related discipline and a minimum of one (1) year of related work experience (1224 hours) preferably directly supporting children with special needs and deemed equivalent by the Board.
• Post-secondary degree/diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution that is complementary to supporting children with special needs as solely determined by the Board and a minimum of one (1) year of related work experience (1224 hours) preferably directly supporting children with special needs and deemed equivalent by the Board.

Child And Youth Worker Qualification

Must have a CYW/CYC Diploma or equivalent College or University degree in a Child Related field (Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work, Ontario Association of Child and Youth Care Certificate – OACYC, Social Services Diploma, Bachelor of Psychology).

Having a current BMS (Behavior Management Systems) training certificate would be considered an asset. The WRDSB will require those not already trained in BMS to complete a mandatory BMS Training session, provided by the Board with a scheduled date upon successful completion of the hiring process.

Applicants must be willing and able to support students with diverse needs (including toileting/lifting), communicate effectively with staff and students, and be available on short notice for supply positions.

The rate of pay is in accordance with the collective agreement between the Board and the Educational Assistants Association.

Notes

The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal background check with the vulnerable sector, which must be received in Human Resources prior to commencement of employment. A condition of employment requires passing WRDSB’s physical testing component. Additional information will be provided during the interview.

Application Package Should Include

• ApplytoEducation Application
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Proof of Education Qualifications

Applications must be submitted through Apply to Education; applications will not be accepted in Human Resources.

Vision, Mission and Strategic Directions

The WRDSB is committed to its vision and mission and to implementing its six key strategic directions: Centering students; Support for student and staff well-being; Equitable opportunities and outcomes; Strengthen connections through family and community engagement; Increase student learning through engagement; Collaboration and compassion for transformation.

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Human Resources staff will only respond to inquiries from applicants selected for an interview. No phone calls please.

The WRDSB is committed to equity in employment and to fair and equitable hiring practices that reflect the diversity of the community and support equity and inclusion in the classroom. We actively encourage applications from groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including Indigenous peoples, racial and ethnic groups, persons with disabilities, women, and marginalized gender identities and sexual orientations. We will provide accommodations as needed during the hiring process. Applicant Self-Identification forms and privacy information are described in Apply to Education materials.