Education Assistant - Casual

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the classroom teacher and the supervision of the school principal, the Education Assistant works with a wide variety of students with diverse abilities. These can include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, diverse cognitive abilities, chronic health conditions—both physical and mental health, trauma, and complex challenging behaviours. Education assistants are required to support students with complex diverse abilities through physical and personal care in the classroom, school, and community settings.

Supports may include life and social skills development, personal care, physical assistance, academic assistance, and positive behaviour support. EAs must be familiar with the IEP goals for the students they are supporting and provide the necessary documentation as required by the Student Services Teacher and/or school principal as it relates to the goals in the IEPs. They are also responsible for assisting with the delivery of programs and services to support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including input to and following Staff Response Plans to ensure a safe school environment.

To enhance the call‑out list for Educational Assistants in Cranbrook, Jaffray, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford. Work is casual on call with no guarantee of hours. Work may be offered at the Elementary, Middle and/or Secondary level.

Ten months per year during the school session for students.

As per CUPE agreement $28.64 per hour.

• Successful completion of a one‑year Education Assistant Program certificate from a recognised, accredited institute.
• If not included within the one‑year certificate, successful completion of a current autism course of at least 25 hours.
• Minimum of 180 hours of supervised practicum by an accredited institute in a school setting.

• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Support students in an inclusive setting.
• Serve as a role model for students.
• Be calm, empathetic and compassionate towards students.
• Solve problems related to the position.
• Work with disagreeable and/or hostile conditions occasionally.
• Assists teachers in adapting and modifying the academic programs of students.
• Be flexible and adaptable to student needs.
• Be motivated and work interdependently.
• Perform the physical requirements of the job.
• Observe and document objectively for student files.

• Participate in the implementation of the supports outlined in the Inclusive Education Plan (IEP).
• Assist students with effective strategies for personal, social and intellectual competencies.
• Reinforce the educational program by adapting classroom materials to meet student needs.
• Assist in planning and acquiring life and social skills aimed at reinforcing positive behaviours, including through work and recreational experiences.
• Monitor and reinforce behaviour for students displaying moderate behaviour issues.
• Provide input to the IEP and student progress reports, and perform record‑keeping functions, including data collection for student learning and behaviour.
• Provide personal care assistance such as toileting, feeding, diapering and dressing; give physical assistance such as wheelchair manoeuvring, positioning, lifting, transferring and motor‑skill development exercises with the necessary medical training as provided by the employer/school district.
• Implement the healthcare plan for students with chronic health conditions, such as administering medication, catheterisation, monitoring seizure activity and gastrostomy tube or other complex feeding procedures, with the necessary medical training as provided by the employer or school district.
• Assist and take appropriate action for accidents and other potentially serious and/or dangerous situations with the necessary medical training as provided by the employer/school district.
• Assist with educational support programmes such as speech practice and physical and/or occupational practice and assist students using specialised equipment such as electronic devices, personal communicators and wheelchairs with the necessary medical…