S26501 Educational Assistant - Casual Placement

Lethbridge School Division•Lethbridge, AB

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lethbridge School Division has an opening for an Educational Assistant to support students commencing August 27, 2026 - June 25, 2027. Lethbridge School Division is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students that embraces diversity while functioning in a dynamic, innovative, and fast paced environment. To help support student success, we are seeking an empathetic, compassionate, optimistic, patient and adaptable individual to join our team. The successful candidate will contribute to the growth and development of students by learning alongside them and providing personalized support and creating a positive, engaging educational experience. The Educational Assistant works with students requiring targeted and specialized supports and services to effectively participate in their learning community. Tasks performed are varied and dependent on student needs. Responsibilities include assisting with and adapting academic tasks, implementation of strategies intended to support socially appropriate behaviours, attending to physical needs as well as medical needs specific to individual students, and monitoring progress. Educational Assistants work collaboratively within the school community to share information, reflect on effectiveness of strategies, suggest modifications to existing or novel strategies to maximize student success. While working under the direction of teachers, educational assistants primarily focus on identified students and will be adept at quickly developing trust and rapport with students and staff. Educational Assistants are an integral part of a dynamic and collaborative team, who work supporting students requiring behavioural supports and/or complex physical disabilities/developmental delays and will be expected to assume other duties, as required.

Requirements

Training and/or experience working with students with severe behaviour challenges is necessary.
Understanding of neurodiversity, such as ASD, ODD, FASD, ADHD and/or other behavioural disabilities.
Willingness to provide personal care, lifting, and toileting support for students.
Willingness to participate in ongoing professional learning.
Strong communication skills.
Proof of Grade 12 or Canadian Adult Educational Credential (CAEC) as issued by an accredited Canadian Province or a Canadian post-secondary certificate or diploma in a related field such as Educational Assistant, Early Childhood Education and Child & Youth Care.
If education obtained outside of Canada, a copy of Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) confirming completion of high school or post secondary equivalencies.
A police information check: including Vulnerable Sector Check from Police Services or an RCMP detachment that does not have any charges or convictions.
A satisfactory Intervention Record Check from South Region Alberta Child and Family Services.
Proof of photo identification may be a valid driver’s license, provincial identification card as issued by a licensed government registry office, valid passport or Nexus card.
Documentation of a valid Social Insurance Number in the employee’s legal name.

Nice To Haves

Specialized training such as Supporting Individuals through Valued Attachments (SIVA) would be an asset.
Proven experience executing Positive Behavior Support Plans.
Training and/or experience supporting students with Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy and/or Speech-Language acquisition needs would be an asset.
A strong understanding of Trauma Informed practice, resiliency, building connections, self-regulation supports and strategies, and conflict resolution skills is an asset.
Applicants will possess, or develop, a true working knowledge within early literacy and the speech and language acquisition process and have experience in supporting programs for students in their early years of development.
Training and/or experience in sign language, Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) and/or Hanen (Learning Language and Loving It/ABC & Beyond) are assets.

Responsibilities

Work as a team to support students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 with varying needs, including behavioural challenges and/or complex physical disabilities, developmental delays and/or severe medical needs.
Ensure all students’ safety at all times.
Implement individualized programs and carry out Positive Behaviour Support Plans as developed by the student’s Learning Team.
Provide personal care, lifting, and toileting support for students, with appropriate assistance and/or training provided as needed.
Participate in community activities such as swimming and skating.
Support students with limited experience within formal school settings.
Support students with English as an additional language.
Create rapport with all students and staff.
Adapt to dynamic learning environments.
Be self-directed, flexible and find creative ways to connect with and regulate students.
Show initiative in solving problems and creating opportunities for student success.