On Call Special Education Assistant

Position Summary

Job Type: Full-time, temporary

Hours of Work: Monday - Friday

Reporting to: Principal

Department: Skeetchestn Community School

Special Education Assistants assist Teachers in the delivery of educational and behaviour interventions for special education students. Working with the teaching staff, Education Assistants support the mental, physical, social and spiritual development of all students and help them to foster a sense of belonging and identity.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Skeetchestn Indian Band policies, practices, and procedures as directed by the Principal. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to students, members, employees, and general matters of SIB.

Special Education Program and Student Support

• Delivers educational interventions as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help students

  meet educational, academic, life skill, behavioral, physical, social and emotional goals.

• Provides direct support to one or more students working 1:1, in small groups or supporting student(s) to participate in overall classroom activities.
• Learns and implements a variety of behavior plans for students based on individual needs.
• Records data as required. Assists with assessing student progress and reports to classroomTeacher
• Delivers speech & language programming as developed by the SLP or the SLA.
• Ensures constant supervision for students with high risk behaviors (i.e. elopement, aggression)
• Uses knowledge of student needs to make necessary modifications to daily school activities.
• Assists students with health and physical needs which may include, feeding, bathroom, personal hygiene and other support.
• Works to ensure an inclusive classroom environment and creates opportunities for special education students to participate in classroom activities.
  • Connects with students and works to understand their needs, interests and concerns. Helps students to self-regulate behavior.
  • Works with Teachers to understand classroom management structure, behaviour support plan, and expectations of students.
  • Approaches students in a strength-based way, using positive behaviour supports.

    General Program and Student Support

    Provides classroom support as a secondary duty as time permits.

• Assists Teacher(s) to deliver activities and supervise students.
• Assists in preparing and arranging lesson materials and displays as directed by the Teacher.
• Facilitates classroom activities and ensures continued student learning and engagement.
• Provides direct assistance to students as needed. Checks homework.
• Helps students with various activities, such as arts & crafts, catch-up work, music, etc.
• Supervises students as they get ready to go outside (helping young students with their shoes, jackets, etc.) and ensures students get on the bus.
• Supervises students on an ongoing basis (inside and outside the classroom) to ensure their safety. Provides supervision before and after school, recess and lunch according to the supervision schedule.

Administration

• Participates in IEP meetings.
• Records data for various programs as outlined in the IEP.
• Communicate with parents through communication book as directed.
• Assists with special events, school celebrations and graduation.
• Participates in staff meetings.
• Other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Training, Education, Experience

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent (required) and Special Education Assistant (SEA) or related certification (an asset).
• Minimum of 1 year experience as a teaching assistant or similar role.
• Behavior management and intervention training is an asset.
• Experience working with children and youth with special education needs.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).
• Food Safe certification is an asset.
• First Aid/CPR certification is an asset.
• Current B.C. Class 5 Driver’s Licence.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Enjoys working with and supporting children and youth including students with special education needs.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques and crisis intervention.
• Empathetic, patient and approachable.
• Flexibility to respond to student needs.
• Ability to provide support with physical tasks.
• Understanding of classroom activities and practices .
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage with students and parents from diverse backgrounds; ability to quickly build rapport and trust.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Well organized and proactive with good time management skills.
• Well-developed conflict resolution skills.
• Strong knowledge of child/youth development and behavior.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, staff, families, community members.
• Intermediate computer skills including MS Office.
• Genuine respect for Skeetchestn Indian Band culture and protocols.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a classroom setting and other areas of the school inside and outside. Occasional travel for field trips, meetings or training is required. May be exposed to bodily fluids when assisting students with special needs. May be exposed to aggressive behavior when a student is in crisis.