The Lethbridge School Division an opening for an Educational Assistants 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.

Lethbridge School Division is a proud neighbor to the largest First Nation reserve area in Canada which is called Kainai Nation. 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 and creating 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. Tasks performed are varied and dependent on student needs. Responsibilities include assisting with and adapting academic tasks, implementation of strategies intended to support socially appropriate behaviours, attending to physical needs as well as medical needs specific to individual students, and monitoring progress.

Educational Assistants work collaboratively within the school community to share information, reflect on effectiveness of strategies, suggest modifications to existing or novel strategies to maximize student success. While working under the direction of teachers, educational assistants primarily focus on identified students and will be adept at quickly developing trust and rapport with students and staff.

Educational Assistants are an integral part of a dynamic and collaborative team, who work supporting students requiring behavioural supports and/or complex physical disabilities/developmental delays and will be expected to assume other duties, as required.

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. Lethbridge School Division makes every effort to ensure staff and student safety, while understanding not every behaviour on the part of students, can be anticipated. Targeted behaviours may include, but are not limited to, severe opposition, hitting, kicking, spitting, biting, scratching, and throwing of objects and the use of inappropriate and/or threatening language. Specialized training such as Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments (SIVA) would be an asset.

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 the candidate with proven experience executing Positive Behavior Support Plans. Training and/or experience supporting students with Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy and/or Speech-Language acquisition needs would be an asset.

Lethbridge School Division embraces a philosophy/belief of inclusion for all students. Consequently, 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 successful candidate may also be required to participate in community activities such as swimming and skating. Educational Assistants may also be working with students with limited experience within formal school settings and may support students with English as an additional language.

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 to be important skills of the successful candidate. Additionally, the successful candidate must have strong communication skills and show initiative in solving problems and creating opportunities for student success.

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

Education Required Upon Application:

• 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:

In order to ensure and maintain a safe and secure working and learning environment, applicants new to Lethbridge School Division who are offered employment must provide:

• 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. If one cannot be provided, a new card must be obtained, and proof of application provided within three days of hire.
• Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee's legal name. If valid Social Insurance documentation in the current legal name can not be provided, the successful candidate will be required to obtain a new one within three days of hire.

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 including:
• Lifestyle and specialty counselling (Health, Life Balance and Career).
• Pension Plan: Competitive retirement plan to support your future.
• Community Discounts: Exclusive discounts at a variety of 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.