Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the education needs of approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, current resources, and practical professional learning opportunities.

Elk Island Public Schools is recruiting a permanent full-time Educational Assistant to support diverse student needs in specialized system programming like GOALS, Focus, and SEAS at F.R. Haythorne Junior High.

F.R. Haythorne Junior High serves approximately 580 students in grades 7 to 9, with 33 teaching staff and 7 support staff. The school is located in Sherwood Park, AB.

Character education, citizenship and student leadership are integral to the F.R. Haythorne experience. Staff, administration, and the parent community maintain very high academic and behavioural expectations for students attending the school, and the school has established a consistent emphasis on maximizing student achievement.

Commencing October 21, 2024

Ends June 25, 2025 32.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 6.5 hours per day)

Open to internal and external applicants

Click on Sign in With Employee Email to be considered an Internal Applicant

The Social, Emotional, Academic Success (SEAS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students with severe emotional or behavioural disorders and related learning difficulties that severely interfere with both the learning and safety of the student and others. The SEAS Program provides high levels of structure and intensive supports along with close and constant adult supervision to help students gain the necessary skills to be successful in an educational setting.

The Generating Occupational, Academic and Life Skills (GOALS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students identified with mild cognitive (intellectual) disabilities. The program focuses on improving academic and independent living skills within a positive and supportive learning environment.

The Focus Program is a specialized system program designed to support the needs of students in grades 7-12 identified with neuropsychiatric disorders or a mental health diagnosis that impacts the students ability to cope and learn in a traditional classroom or school environment. Students are supported both academically and socially through a safe and structured classroom environment with predictable and clearly articulated procedures and expectations. Core subject areas and optional courses are available through a variety of instructional settings including small-group instruction or regular programming. The program has a strong focus on goal setting, problem-solving and coping skills, support networks and social skill development.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

Educational Assistants (EAs) assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and with other school activities. EAs work as members of the school and student support team. EAs either work with a particular special needs student or a group of students within a class or in a special program.

The EA provides routine and repetitive instructional support. Under the direction of the teacher, an EA assists the student in acquiring the education and skills necessary for advancement in the educational setting. To reach this objective, the EA follows an individually prescribed learning program, through team planning and working one-on-one with the student(s). This involves routine recording, basic charting and logging of observations. EAs may provide personal care and additional assistance for students depending on their particular needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience High School Diploma

Educational Assistant Certificate or comparable education would be an asset

First Aid certificate would be an asset

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training would be an asset

Courses related to working with students with special needs would also be an asset

Minimum of one-year related experienceDemonstrated Skills and Competencies Strong oral and listening communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills combined with tact and diplomacy

Strong organizational skills, time management skills and pacing skills to support student scheduling

Reliability and dependability

Ability to work effectively as an active team member in cooperation with other team members and students

Comfort and competency working with personal computers and other technologies to support student learning, including communication devices

Ability to respect and value all individuals with sensitivity to diversity

Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours of students

Ability to effectively utilize crisis intervention strategies

Ability to demonstrate flexibility in work assignments

Willingness to tend to the personal care needs of students if required

Experience working with and supporting students with mental health needs, behaviour needs as well as students with cognitive delays.

Ability to implement regulation techniques to support regulation of students.

Knowledge of the Competencies identified in the Ministerial Order on Student Learning, and the ability to support teaching and learning through the implementation of the Competencies.

Ability to be proactive and to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours of students.

Flexibility to support students in GOALS, FOCUS and SEAS. Note: This position might require lifting and carrying demands that require the ability to bend at the waist, stoop, and twist frequently, the ability to lift between 10 to 50 lbs., the ability to carry, push and pull between 10 to 50 lbs., and the ability to stand, walk and sit frequently. The incumbent may be subject to challenging behaviours of students.

For further information, contact Lana Lastiwka, Principal at 780-467-3800 or email lana.lastiwka@eips.ca.

Only online applications will be accepted.

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email info@applytoeducation.com.