WHMS - ESP - Educational Assistant 6.50 Term

Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education

West Hants Middle School - Enhanced Support Program

Term Educational Assistant - 6.50 hours per day (includes transportation)

Term starting immediately ending March 7, 2025

Closing date for applications - December 4, 2024 at midnight

Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, are in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Bargaining Unit.

Qualifications and Abilities:

• knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
• Have familiarity with facilitative communication, ie picture communication.
• Have the ability to implement a visual schedule.
• Have the ability and experience with record and data keeping. 
• Have the ability to work as team member, under the direction of the teacher, is essential.
• Human Services diploma or equivalent post-secondary training and experience in a related human services discipline.
• Bona fide occupational requirements as identified.
• Specific health-care support training or certification as required.
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the position.
• Current CPR and First Aid training.

Responsibilities:

1.  Personal Care:

As identified through the program planning process and under the direction of the teacher(s) and/or school team, when a student cannot, or should not, perform these activities independently, the Educational Assistant, will as required:

• Assist students with physical and mobility challenges by lifting and positioning,
• Ensure a safe and respectful environment when meeting personal care needs of students.
• Assist students with routines.
• Assist in the operation of support equipment, including lifts and assistive technology.
• Administer medication and oral inhalant according to the Guidelines.
• Carry out medical procedures (e.g., catheterization, tube feeding) when trained and authorized, according to board policies and/or guidelines.
• Implement programs as prepared by the Speech Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist, and Occupational Therapist or other professionals.
• assist with program support when specifically directed and monitored by teacher(s).

2.  Safety/Behaviour Management Support:

Under the direction of the teacher(s) and/or the program planning team, the Educational Assistant will support the implementation of identified behavior management outcomes. When a student is unable to self-regulate his or her behavior, the Educational Assistant will:

• Use appropriate physical interventions in accordance with the Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training Program, the student’s plan, and board policies.
• Encourage students to respect the school’s code of conduct guidelines and positive and effective behavioural support (PEBS) initiative.
• Model and encourage respect for self and others.
• Promote or facilitate positive interactions among all students.
• Record data and observations as directed.
• Assist with program support when specifically directed and monitored by teacher(S).

3.  Transportation of Students

Educational Assistants may be required to accompany students or to provide transportation to students to and from school via school bus, taxi, or private vehicle in compliance with Board policy and procedures.

4.  Supervision of Students:

Educational Assistants may be required to:

• provide supervision for students before and after school;
• provide supervision for students during the lunch and recess breaks;
• provide supervision for students in the cafeteria, halls and other designated areas;
• provide supervision of students getting on or off school buses before school begins and after school is dismissed;
• report to the principal or designate any problem or discipline issue that occurred during supervision either individually or as group.

Applications will be considered:

First, in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Bargaining Unit.

Second, to applicants who self-identify and are members of the identified peoples in accordance with AVRCE's Employment Equity.

Third, if there are no successful candidates from the Employment Equity applicant pool, then other external candidates will be considered for this position.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.