Teacher Assistant (FHCS) Term

South Shore Regional Centre for Education

Qualifications and Experience:

• High school completion certificate
• Successful completion of a minimum 2 year course of study certified from the N.S. Department of Education, in a related field of study, such as, but not limited to, the education support program offered by the Nova Scotia Community College.
• The course of study must have a significant Special Education component.
• The course of study must include a supervised practicum of no less than 100 hours.
• Bona fide occupational requirements as identified in the job posting (ex. American Sign language, Braille, etc)
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Specific health care support training or certification as required (i.e Non Violent Crisis Intervention, etc.)
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the position
• Possess basic computer skills and have training in assistive technology

Characteristics:

• Highly motivated, self-starter
• Demonstrates ability to cope with multiple responsibilities and projects
• Possess skills to effectively interact and develop a positive rapport with children and youth
• Possess problem solving skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy protocols
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Team player

Task Dimensions:

Provides personal care functions as determined through the program planning process and under the direction of the teacher(s) when a student cannot, or should not, perform these activities independently. For example:

• Assisting students with physical and mobility challenges by lifting and positioning, exercising, transferring from or to transportation, as specified in their program plan
• Ensuring a safe and respectful environment when meeting personal care needs of students.
• Assisting students with routines (i.e. toileting, dressing, feeding, personal hygiene)
• Administering medication and oral inhalant according to the Guidelines for the Administration of Medication to Students
• Carrying out medical procedures (e.g. catheterization) when trained and authorized, according to Board policies and procedures
• Assisting with program support when specifically directed and monitored by the teacher(s).

Supports the implementation of identified behaviour management outcomes under the direction of the teacher(s) when a student is unable to self-regulate his/her own behaviour. For example:

• Using appropriate physical interventions in accordance with the Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training program, the student’s plan and board policies
• Encouraging students to respect the school’s code of conduct guidelines and PEBS initiative
• Modeling and encouraging respect for self and others
• Promoting and facilitating positive interactions among all students
• Recording data and observations as directed (e.g. the frequency of a particular behaviour or off-task data)
• Assisting with program support when specifically directed and monitored by the teacher(s)

Working collaboratively as members of the school community. For example:

• Demonstrating ethical behaviours by addressing conflicts, first with teachers, second, the administrative level, and third at the board staff level, according to board policies and procedures
• Respecting and promoting the rights of students
• Understanding the role of the program support assistant
• Modeling appropriate problem solving an conflict resolution
• Referring all requests for information to appropriate personnel
• Relaying information regarding the student to the teacher(s)
• Participating in training and certification required to support the implementation of interventions
• Respecting privacy and confidentiality
• Communicating effectively with teachers, appropriate personnel and students
• Being knowledgeable of and following regional and provincial policies and administrative procedures

Develops and maintains a positive rapport with students. For example:

• Treating students in a respectful, dignified and fair manner with due consideration to the student’s physical, social and psychological development
• Promoting independence and self-advocacy through appropriate wait time, prompting, reviewing and reinforcing
• Respecting the strengths and challenges of students
• Maintaining effective and collaborative relationships
• Demonstrating patience and understanding towards students
• Demonstrating appropriate responses to student-initiated interactions

BACKGROUND/SECURITY CHECKS:

The South Shore Regional Centre for Education requires all newly hired employees to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record / Vulnerable Sector Check and a Nova Scotia Child Abuse Register Check. We will accept checks completed within the last 3 months. 

Thank you for your interest in the South Shore Regional Centre for Education, however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.