Position: District Education Assistants (Signing) (2 Positions)

Posting Number : 24-EA-014

Location : Inclusive Education Department

Hours/Day : 5.25 Hours/Day, Monday - Friday

Start Date : August 29, 2024

Term of Employment: Permanent

Salary : $30.15

Application Deadline : Ongoing * Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled*

The Educational Assistant (Signing) follows the guidance and leadership of the Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Learning Support Teacher, and the classroom teacher in maintaining familiarization with instructional vocabulary and concepts in preparation for classroom instruction. It is collaborative work, in inclusive settings, to support students to meet the goals identified in their Individualized Education Plans (IEP).

Qualifications (Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Two-year post-secondary diploma in Educational Assistant training (or relevant discipline) or an Education Assistant certificate combined with 1 year of related experience.

POPARD (Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (or equivalent) training an asset.

Level 1 First Aid certification is an asset.

Current CPI (Crisis, Prevention, and Intervention) certification.

Class 5 BC Drivers License.

Demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language, i.e., Minimum Level 2 on the ASL Proficiency Interview, as assessed by the Sign Language Institute of Canada.

Knowledge of Deaf culture and community resources.

Experience working and/or interacting with Deaf or Hard of Hearing people.

Understanding of the language implications in the education of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students.

Ability to adjust the signing, education and communication levels required, in accordance with students needs.

Demonstrated ability and knowledge of strategies to work successfully with deaf and hard of hearing students.

Working knowledge of the district child abuse protocol and reporting procedures.

Computer literacy and experience with technological assists.

Proven ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships and working collaboratively in a team environment.

Working knowledge of reading and writing software programs (Microsoft 365).

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.

Ability to communicate effectively using tact, discretion, and diplomacy, while maintaining confidentiality in all matters related to the school district.

Sufficient physical capabilities, stamina, and coordination to perform the duties of the position to the required standard. Specific Responsibilities:

Facilitating communication and academic access for DHH students (including using remote mic systems, and other assistive technology, when necessary)

Provides sign language support for deaf and hard of hearing students, classmates and educational staff.

Provides tutorial assistance to deaf and hard of hearing students when required and to other students when available.

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 positive behaviour support and utilizing communication skills to diffuse escalated behaviours (e.g. defiance, emotional outbursts, disengagements, etc.), reporting any extreme or unusual incidents to the supervisor.

Providing academic support by working with special needs students one-on-one and/or in small groups, reinforcing the concepts of the lesson at hand.

Participating in IEP meetings with teachers, parents, and other parties such as psychologists and/or therapists upon request.

Providing general classroom support by collaborating with the teacher to oversee the progress of other students in the integrated setting.

Providing social guidance by reinforcing appropriate behaviours for social interaction; assisting with inclusion in the classroom as well as during recess and lunch periods as appropriate; implementing and monitoring behaviour management plans which may include observation, data-keeping, and follow-up; and discussing student progress and adaption requirements with the teacher.

Promoting personal health and hygiene by assisting with toileting, feeding, and general cleanliness; assisting with the administration of student medication as indicated on medical forms, under the teachers supervision, as required; ensuring students adhere to medial routines and/or special diets; and performing physiotherapy and/or speech therapy as instructed by Occupational Therapists (OT) and Speech Language Pathologists (SLP).

Providing educational support in academic subjects as per school level (i.e. elementary, middle and secondary).

Ensuring the safe and orderly storage of special equipment and supplies.

Participating in staff meetings as requested and performing all such other duties as may be assigned by the principal or designate.

Transportation of students to various program activities.

Directly supervise students in the pool as part of the swim program (where required).

Protecting and respecting the confidentiality of information.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

The successful applicant may be required to demonstrate that they are capable of performing the physical requirements of the position and to certify that they have no known pre-existing medical conditions, which would prevent them from performing their duties.

The rate of pay for this position is $30.15 in accordance with the current Collective Agreement with the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 723.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted or acknowledged. The successful candidate will be required to complete a criminal record check.

APPLY HERE: School District 72 Job Connect