Educational Assistant - Congregate Classroom

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with students with communication disabilities and/or a diagnosis of Autism in a congregate classroom setting. The Educational Assistant, as a professional and integral member of the school team, is responsible for providing support to students with attendant care and safety needs in the congregate classroom, in collaboration with the Special Education Resource Teacher.

This position works 33.83 hours per week; schedule to be determined by the Principal.

The successful candidate will bring the following skills and experiences to the role:

• Minimum 2 years' experience working with school-aged children with a diagnosis of Autism or other communication disorder identifications;
• Training in crisis management and de-escalation strategies (such as Behaviour Management Systems Training);
• Demonstrated positive communication skills and ability to effectively work as part of a collaborative team;
• Ability to support youth to develop skills and gain independence through strategies identified as best practices for youth with Autism or communications disorders;
• Skilled in the area of communication, self-regulation, behaviour de‑scalation strategies, social skills, life skills, and transition planning;
• Ability to think on their feet and act quickly in escalated situations, including maintaining safety of students who are predisposed to elope;
• Experience with assistive technology devices for communication is an asset;
• College Diploma or University Degree in a human services field, or an Educational Assistant Apprenticeship Certificate, from an accredited post‑secondary institution.

Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request.

As a condition of employment, new employees to SMCDSB are required, by legislation,

to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Reconciliation through Education, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at the SMCDSB.

THE BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNE EMPLOYER