Learning Assistant - C.W. Perry School in Airdrie

Company Overview

As a rapidly growing school division in Alberta, Rocky View Schools (RVS) supports the educational needs of more than 29,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in 53 schools to ensure they learn, belong and succeed. RVS is situated on the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta including the Siksikaitsitapi (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Amskapi Pikuni), the Tsuutina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney), and the Rocky View Métis District. Our team is committed to creating positive, safe and inclusive environments for students to learn and for staff to work together. RVS encourages applications from individuals who can help shape and embody our core values of Leadership, People, Community and Innovation, and support our vision that RVS is a world-class learning organization where all students achieve their absolute best.

The Opportunity

RVS invites applications for a continuing, full-time (30 hrs/wk) Learning Assistant position at C.W. Perry School starting immediately. C.W. Perry School is located in the City of Airdrie and serves students from grades 6-9.

The Learning Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the diverse needs of learners within the classroom, school, and community settings throughout Rocky View Schools (RVS). Reporting to the Principal, the Learning Assistant collaborates with teachers to adapt and implement programs for students with complex needs, with a focus on promoting their health, learning, and independence.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provides assistance to students as identified in their individualized plans including those students who require additional types of supports such as personal, medical care, lifts, transfers and safety needs.
• Implements and reinforces strategies as directed by the teacher(s) and identified in various student plans.
• Records observations and collects other data on behavioral challenges to be used to help guide and support positive behavior strategies for students.
• Participates in collaborative planning meetings for student planning as requested.
• Provides assistance with preparation of individualized program materials under the direction of the teacher.
• Actively promotes student learning, belonging and independence.
• Assists students with their emotional and behavioural regulation, including students who may display violent or aggressive behaviours in accordance with student plans.
• Respects confidentiality and maintains privacy of information related to students and personnel.
• Supports students with routine personal care activities and routines of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, lifts, transfers, movement, personal hygiene, eating, drinking, and feeding.
• Assists in exercising, adaptive physical education, range of motion programs and fine and gross motor skills development as directed by a specialist and monitored by a teacher.
• Supports students’ medical needs as directed, including assisting the student with transfers, tube feeding and managing tracheotomy needs, oxygen, catheterization, administration of prescription medication, and other routine medical requirements.

Education/Experience:

• Educational Assistant Certificate or a certificate/diploma in a related field.
• Training in preventative/de-escalating behaviour, or willingness to become certified.
• Minimum one (1) year experience working with students with challenging behavior and applying positive behavior supports is considered an asset.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to become certified is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of Education and Experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to carry out the plans and directions of teaching staff to assist students.
• Ability to build and maintain rapport with students and staff.
• Ability to adapt to dynamic situations, while successfully managing a high level of stress.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive to students in highly elevated emotional states of disregulation.
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative team settings.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with a variety of complex and sensitive issues professionally and in a timely manner.
• Excellent multi-tasking, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of child development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and web-based applications.

Rocky View Schools Benefits:

• 6% vacation pay.
• Benefits Plan (Extended health, Dental, Wellness/Health Care Spending Account, Tax Free Savings Account and Registered Retirement Savings Plan).
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Pre-employment Requirements:

• The successful candidate must submit a current Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check within 30 days of the start of your employment.
• Ability to perform required physical tasks on a day-to-day basis.
• Proof of qualifications/education as required by the position.
• Applicants must provide a professional letter of reference, attached to the job application, from their most recent supervisor, relevant to the job opportunity, written on company letterhead, signed and dated within the past 18 months.

How to Apply:

We request all applications be placed through http://rockyview.simplication.com/. Applications must include your cover letter, resume, proof of qualifications and a professional letter of reference. Please submit your application quoting job code # 4010876. This posting will remain active until suitable candidates are found.

Rocky View Schools Human Resources https://www.rockyview.ab.ca/careers/current_opportunities

We appreciate and consider all applications; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Applicants may be contacted via email or by phone for an interview. Please ensure your online profile information is up to date so there is no delay in contacting you.