Competition No. S 16 ISS 134 TEM
We require experienced Education Assistants – English Language Learning and French Language Learning to work in our School District. Qualified candidates will be considered for placement on the established casual list to work on an as-needed basis.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Principal, and with the supervision of the classroom/ELL teacher, the Education Assistant – Level 1: English/French Language Learning works in an integrated setting to aid and support students in achieving language learning goals by ensuring a safe learning environment, reinforcing social protocols, and providing academic support as required. Some work with special needs may be required – e.g.: learning and physical disabilities, mental illnesses, and/or complex disabilities. The overall goal of the Education Assistant – Level 1: English/French Language Learning is to provide academic support to students requiring assistance with English or French language comprehension.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

Ensuring a safe learning environment for all students by avoiding triggers that may escalate special needs students’ inappropriate behaviours and implementing recognized behaviour management techniques.
Providing social guidance by reinforcing appropriate behaviours for social interaction, assisting with social integration in the classroom as well as during recess and lunch periods as appropriate and discussing student adaption requirements with the teacher.
Providing positive behaviour support and utilizing communication skills to diffuse escalated behaviours (e.g.: defiance, emotional outbursts, disengagement, etc.), reporting any extreme or unusual incidents to the supervisor.
Providing academic support by working with students one-on-one and/or in small groups, reinforcing the concepts of the lesson at hand, and adapting learning materials as required.
Monitoring student work and providing daily or weekly updates to the teacher.
Providing general classroom support by collaborating with the teacher and/or ELL teacher to oversee the progress of students with French/English language learning needs.
Performing various administrative tasks such as ensuring the safe and orderly storage of special equipment and supplies, and assisting in maintaining the G4 filing system.
Participating in staff meetings as requested and performing all such other duties as may be assigned by the Principal or designate.
Assisting in administering minor first aid to students – e.g.: applying bandages and dispensing ice packs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS

This position requires a relatively equal balance of standing/walking and sitting to accommodate students’ needs.
Incumbents may be required to briskly walk on occasion.
Incumbents may expect to be exposed to aggressive incidents from students (e.g.: hitting, verbal abuse), and bodily fluids.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Successful candidates will have Grade 12 supplemented by graduation from an Education Assistant Program of up to two years or equivalent from a recognized post-secondary program, with additional courses in Crisis Prevention, extensive training in the area of specialty (English/French Language Learning*), one year of recent related work experience with English/French language learners, and one year of related work experience with special needs students.

*For the Education Assistant – Level 1: English Language Learning, incumbents must have additional courses in ELL (English Language Learning) – e.g.: TESL/TESOL program courses

*For the Education Assistant – Level 1: French Language Learning, incumbents must be fully bilingual in oral and written communications in both English and French to properly promote the French immersion environment and French culture.

In addition, incumbents must have the following:

Ability to communicate effectively using tact, discretion and diplomacy, while maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to students and the school district
Working knowledge of the district child abuse protocol and reporting procedures
Current CPI (Crisis, Prevention and Intervention) certification
Demonstrated willingness to participate in professional development opportunities as provided by the district
Ability to provide educational support in academic subjects as per school level (i.e.: elementary, middle, and/or secondary)
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships, working collaboratively in a team environment at all times
Working knowledge of various electronics used for educational purposes (e.g.: tablets, speech recognition programs, audio and visual equipment)
Working knowledge of reading and writing software programs (e.g.: Kurzweil, Boardmaker)
Ability to determine, judge and select appropriate course of action within the limits of established methods and procedures
Ability to effectively interact and establish positive rapport with students
Experience in, or willingness to learn, scribing techniques
Ability to be flexible and adaptable
For positions at the elementary and middle school level: Ability to use computer applications (e.g.: MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet browsers (e.g.: Explorer), Internet search engines (e.g.: Google), at a basic level. Positions at the secondary school level must also have the ability to use graphics editors (e.g.: Adobe Photoshop) at a basic level
Ability to use office equipment (e.g.: printer, photocopier) at a basic level
Level 1 First Aid certification is an asset
POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders) training is an asset
Sufficient physical capabilities, stamina and coordination to perform the duties of the position to the required standard

The salary start rate is $22.48 per hour with an additional 8% of straight time pay in lieu of statutory and non-statutory benefits.