Autism Support Worker

Casual/On-Call and Continuing (anticipated needs)

Reference C-2122-ASW-174

WHO WE ARE

From coastal beaches to mountain forests, North Vancouver School District – “the natural place to learn” – provides world-class instruction and a rich diversity of engaging programs to inspire success for every student.  Our 25 elementary and 7 secondary schools, 2600 staff and 16,000 students offer a safe and nurturing environment based on trust, respect, responsibility and collaboration. We are looking for enthusiastic and positive individuals to learn, share and grow with us in “the natural place to work”.

THE ROLE

The Autism Support Worker is a specialized role that supports autistic students and staff members who work with these students. This position works through Learning Services and provides autism support assistance with individuals or groups of students throughout the School District.  The tasks for this role are determined by the needs of the individual student or groups, so that each situation will be as unique as the student(s) being assisted.  This role requires specialized skills and considerable initiative, emotional stability, empathy and understanding of the many and varied issues these students face.  In addition, this role requires the need to exercise sound judgement in dealing with a variety of situations under the general supervision of a teacher(s).  Work performance for this role is reviewed and evaluated by an administrator in terms of the effectiveness of services provided to students and staff.

WHAT WE REQUIRE

Considerable knowledge of:

• learning theories, discrete trial and other instructional approaches such as Applied Behaviour Analysis Interventions including reinforcement practices and prompting procedures, verbal behaviour, learning interventions, social skills development, functional assessment of behaviour, behaviour management/de-escalation techniques and situational safety assessments for students with autism or autistic tendencies are required.
• academic course content and non-academic programs and techniques for adaptation or modification as required for assigned students.
• communication techniques such as sign language, visual scheduling, active listening, and other forms of augmentative and adaptive communication for students with autism or autistic tendencies.
• stress management techniques for students with autism or autistic tendencies.
• methods and practices related to the learning style and other needs of students with autism or autistic tendencies.

 

Working knowledge of:

•         methods and procedures in controlling and regulating the behaviour of students with autism or autistic tendencies using non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
• child development.
• basic first aid.

Ability to:

• assist in developing and implementing student Individual Education Plan and behaviour plan.
• utilize and demonstrate Applied Behaviour Analysis Interventions including reinforcement practices, prompting procedures, and Verbal Behaviour interventions.
• perform a variety of record keeping tasks, including the collection and monitoring of data.
• establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of students who have autism or autistic tendencies.
• function cooperatively with staff, professional personnel and parents.
• monitor, adapt and respond to meet the varying medical, physical, educational, social, emotional and behavioural needs of students.
• utilize a computer and appropriate educational software applications, audiovisual equipment and other educational equipment as necessary.
• utilize sufficient strength and agility to physically assist students with special needs.

Required Licenses, Certificates and Registrations

·     Special Education Teacher Assistant or Education Assistant Certificate or equivalent.

·     Autism or Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD) Certificate or equivalent certification.

·  Minimum three hundred (300) hours home team/Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) training or equivalent training and experience through an outside intervention program.  Either of these must be documented as provided from a Professional Consultant at a Master’s Degree level.

Desired Training and Experience

·     Completion of the 12th grade or equivalent, plus basic first aid

·     Successful completion of courses in autism or the autism spectrum, or training in education. 

·     Minimum three years Education Assistant experience, including at least two years working with autistic students in the relevant age range or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

This is an unionized position, and depending on the needs of the district, may be casual or continuing. 

The current rate of pay is $31.33 per hour, plus 14% in lieu of benefits.

All candidates are required to submit to a BC Ministry Criminal Record Check and a local Police Criminal Record Check as condition of employment.

Applying to this posting is a two-step process:

1.      Create your profile on Make A Future,

2.      To apply click "APPLY ONLINE" at the bottom of this posting.

At the North Vancouver School District, our values guide what we do.  We support diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and schools; we welcome and respect the diverse backgrounds, experiences and talents of all our employees and students.

We value the opportunity to learn, share and grow on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

*All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship.

 

** The North Vancouver School District values the time you have taken to submit your application; however, only those applicants selected to move forward will be contacted.**