Therapeutic Assistant (7) - Occupational Therapy

Edmonton Catholic School Division; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Edmonton seeks a Therapeutic Support Assistant to provide educational support to students from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. This role involves planning programs, collaborating with teaching staff, and assisting in student assessments. Ideal candidates will have a Therapist Assistant diploma and experience in pediatric support, along with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a team. Competitive compensation and professional development opportunities are included.

Qualifications

• Three years of directly related pediatric experience.
• Certified Member of the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (THAA) required.
• Knowledge of functional anatomy and exercise in physical therapy.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement programs with students as outlined by the specialist.
• Provide feedback and maintain records of planned programs.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team members.

Skills

Advanced verbal and written skills in English

Strong teamwork skills

Good communication

Problem-solving skills

Ability to work with various clients

Organizational skills

Flexibility in fast-paced environment

Education

Therapist Assistant diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Apple iPads

Multi-media technology

Job description

Overview

The job provides a range of educational support services, under the supervision of a Therapeutic Specialist (TS), to students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 within the environment of our inclusive educational programs. The primary focus is to work directly with students and the teacher to provide support for a range of needs that impact classroom / academic functioning and to extend the services of the Therapeutic Specialist assigned to that classroom. This role involves working within the classroom environment together with a classroom team consisting of a teacher and therapeutic Specialist and may also include Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Learning Coaches, other multi-disciplinary team members (MDT), administrators, parents, and school staff.

Job Responsibilities

• Plan and implement programs / strategies with specific students and or groups of students within the classroom environment as outlined by the specialist and classroom team;
• Plan and implement small and large group strategies / activities within the classroom environment that support the development skills of identified students;
• Develop materials related to varied programs / strategies as determined by the Therapeutic Specialist;
• Provide support to families by assisting with home program preparation, modeling, and monitoring;
• Monitor, record, and provide feedback;
• Maintain appropriate records of planned programs and student attendance;
• Monitor the effectiveness of programs / strategies designed to meet specific objectives;
• Develop and maintain specific notes for Therapeutic Specialist and classroom team regarding students’ progress and response to current program / strategies follow up through contact notes, progress notes, anecdotal observations, and / or conversation;
• Share information with the classroom teaching team regarding planned strategies / programs and communicate with Therapeutic Specialist to determine the appropriate level for programming and additional follow-up required;
• Model / discuss strategies and supports as appropriate with the classroom team;
• Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary team members to implement strategies;
• Attend multi-disciplinary team meetings;
• Participate in cohort preparation time and meetings;
• Assist in the delivery of workshops / seminars;
• Conduct screenings to facilitate interpretation of results;
• Assist in administering informal / formal screening tools to gather information;
• Record and maintain results for use by the Therapeutic Specialist;
• Assist with preparing materials, and scheduling activities, as directed by Therapeutic Specialist or Assistant Manager (e.g. summer treatment programming);
• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment and materials, including cleaning and organizing of materials room;
• Assist with Therapeutic Specialist operations such as scheduling, record keeping, safety / maintenance of equipment, and monitoring inventory (e.g. screening and assessment protocols);
• Participate in department meetings;
• Provide input into strategic planning;
• Provide cover off and assist the team with peak workloads and projects;
• Participate in special events;
• Maintain technical knowledge and credentials through a range of professional development activities.

Qualifications

• Therapist Assistant, Occupational or Physical Therapy diploma from a recognized institution, plus three years of directly related pediatric experience;
• Certified Member of the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (THAA) is required;
• Knowledge of applied human anatomy, applied human physiology, functional anatomy and orthopedics, physical dysfunction and exercise in physical therapy; learning through play principles;
• General knowledge of inclusion principles and practices, and 21st Century educational skills;
• Knowledge of multi-media technology and equipment, Microsoft and Apple iPads;
• Knowledge of program planning and project management techniques;
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Office 365, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer;
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Legislation specifically related to student records;
• Knowledge of Workplace Safety and Occupational Health and Safety regulations, with a focus on lifting, transferring, and repositioning students;
• Advanced verbal and written skills- in English including digital literacies;
• Good communication, strong interpersonal skills, and a friendly / positive attitude are essential;
• Ability to work with a wide variety of clients and needs;
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently as well as collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams;
• Flexible with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Good self-reflection skills and ability to quickly adjust to feedback;
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and work within tight timelines;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence decisions;
• Ability to travel to various sites in the City of Edmonton;
• Ability to communicate with sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact is essential;
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Knowledge of the district and school policies, procedures, and programs, community services for children and families, and an understanding of the Alberta Education curriculum.