Therapeutic Assistant (7) - Occupational Therapy in London

Edmonton Catholic Schools is a large urban school division whose mission is to provide a Catholic education that inspires students to learn and that prepares them to live fully and to serve God in one another. The Division is comprised of over 50,000 students and over 5,500 employees in 95 schools plus other sites.

The job provides a range of educational support services, under the supervision of a Therapeutic Specialist (TS), to students in Pre‑Kindergarten to Grade 12 within the environment of our inclusive educational programs. The primary focus is to work directly with students and the teacher to provide support for a range of needs that impact classroom/academic functioning and to extend the services of the Therapeutic Specialist assigned to that classroom.

This job involves working within the classroom environment together with a classroom team consisting of a teacher and therapeutic Specialist and may also include Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Learning Coaches, other multi‑disciplinary team members (MDT), administrators, parents, and school staff.

This posting will be used to fill four (4) positions.

• Plan and implement programs/strategies with specific students and or groups of students within the classroom environment as outlined by the specialist and classroom team;
• Plan and implement small and large group strategies/activities within the classroom environment that support the development skills of identified students;
• Develop materials related to varied programs/strategies as determined by the Therapeutic Specialist;
• Provide support to families by assisting with home program preparation, modeling, and monitoring;
• Monitor, record, and provide feedback;
• Monitor the effectiveness of programs/strategies designed to meet specific objectives;
• Develop and maintain specific notes for Therapeutic Specialist and classroom team regarding students’ progress and response to current program/strategies follow up through contact notes, progress notes, anecdotal observations, and/or conversation;
• Share information with the classroom teaching team regarding planned strategies/programs and communicate with Therapeutic Specialist to determine the appropriate level for programming and additional follow‑up required;
• Model/discuss strategies and supports as appropriate with the classroom team;
• Assist in the delivery of workshops/seminars;
• Conduct screenings to facilitate interpretation of results; assist in administering informal/formal screening tools to gather information;
• Assist with preparing materials, and scheduling activities, as directed by Therapeutic Specialist or Assistant Manager (e.g. summer treatment programming);
• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment and materials, including cleaning and organizing of materials room.

• Therapist Assistant, Occupational or Physical Therapy diploma from a recognized institution, plus three years of directly related pediatric experience;
• Certified Member of the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (THAA) is required;
• Knowledge of applied human anatomy, applied human physiology, functional anatomy and orthopedics, physical dysfunction and exercise in physical therapy; learning through play principles;
• General knowledge of inclusion principles and practices, and 21st Century educational skills;
• Knowledge of multi‑media technology and equipment, Microsoft and Apple iPads;
• Knowledge of program planning and project management techniques;
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Office 365, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer;
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Legislation specifically related to student records;
• Knowledge of Workplace Safety and Occupational Health and Safety regulations, with a focus on lifting, transferring, and repositioning students;
• Advanced verbal and written skills in English including digital literacies;
• Good communication, strong interpersonal skills, and a friendly/positive attitude are essential;
• Ability to work with a wide variety of clients and needs;
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently as well as collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams;
• Flexible with the ability to work in a fast‑paced environment;
• Good self‑reflection skills and ability to quickly adjust to feedback;
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and work within tight timelines;
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to influence decisions;
• Ability to travel to various sites in the City of Edmonton;
• Ability to communicate with sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact is essential;
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Knowledge of the district and school policies, procedures, and programs, community services for children and families, and an understanding of the Alberta Education curriculum.

Edmonton Catholic Schools is committed to maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace that welcomes and values candidates from diverse backgrounds. We hire employees of all faiths for non‑teacher positions.

As a Catholic School Division receiving public funding, our schools and departments are imbued with our Catholic Faith. Candidates are expected to exhibit respect and sensitivity towards our Catholic beliefs and practices embraced by both students and staff.

Edmonton Catholic Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program based on contract status as part of its total compensation package.

Before employment, successful candidates will be required to submit a Police Information Check and Intervention Record Check dated within six months of hiring.

Due to the high volume of applications received, only qualified candidates who are shortlisted will be contacted.