Steps Educational Assistant

Description:

The Steps to Enhance Personal Success (STEPS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students with severe to profound developmental disabilities. These students may have physical, sensory or behavioural challenges, or medical conditions requiring specialized accommodations. The focus of the program is to build functional communication skills that enhance the quality of life within a safe and structured learning environment, with regular routines and close supervision.

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 provide support as necessary to all students within our classrooms.

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, through team planning with the teacher and EA work collaboratively to support student success in the classroom. 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 is an asset.

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

Minimum of one-year related experience

Demonstrated 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