Education Assistant - Complex Needs

Overall Accountability

The Education Assistant, Complex Needs aids and supports in the educational, behavioral and/or health related services programming for students with complex physical and/or medical needs as directed by the teacher or personnel and supervised by the Principal. The Education Assistant, Complex Needs is a member of the student’s Learning Team and provides educational support in either the classroom and/or in-home, depending upon the conditions.

Specific Accountabilities

• Performs physically demanding tasks to meet the unique and personal needs of students with complex physical and/or medical needs, e.g., hand-over-hand instruction, lifting and transferring, personal hygiene, toileting/diapering, feeding, range of motion, walking and stretching, physical restraint to manage inappropriate behavior, disinfecting and general housekeeping
• Participates in providing one-on-one (1:1) support for Learner Support Plan goals and objectives, while promoting a safe, calm and positive learning environment
• Documents observations and maintains records in compliance with Alberta Education’s mandates and monitoring expectations
• Manages inappropriate behavior, including implementation of physical restraint techniques when required
• Prepares materials, constructs and assembles displays in relation to support for students with special needs
• Demonstrates initiative and independence in the management of class time and/or in-home
• Works collaboratively with the homebased team - PCA or LPN, when required
• Assists students during school celebrations, liturgical events, services and attendance at Mass at local parishes

Qualifications

• Diploma in Rehabilitation or Disability Studies or in a related field of study, or
• High School Diploma and a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with complex physical, behavioral and/or medical needs students
• Standard First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certification
• Successful completion of training in non-violent crisis intervention
• Successful completion of training in proper lifting and transferring techniques
• Ability to deal with the social/emotional and mental health challenges of working with children who are often active and demanding
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Physically able to meet all physical demands for this position (see link)