174163 - Casual Educational Assistant

The Public Schools Branch is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment that inspires respect.  The Public Schools Branch is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace.  All qualified applications will receive consideration without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, nationality, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The Public Schools Branch (PSB), represents all 56 of Prince Edward Island’s English-language public schools, serving more than 20,000 students from kindergarten through grade 12. It is PSB’s primary focus to foster inclusive, diverse, safe, and caring learning environments that inspire a commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement as we prepare successful global citizens for our ever-changing world. 

Why do Casual Work for the PSB? 

• Work/Life balance and flexibility to choose the schedule that works for you 
• Public Schools Branch training through the Student Services Modules
• Gain experience that may assist you in obtaining a relief or permanent position with the PSB with a competitive wage and benefits
• Ability to work within different grade levels of schools in your community  
• Build relationships with school administrators, teachers and other educational assistants who can provide valuable guidance, and support as you navigate a career with PSB 
• Opportunity to make an impact to better the Public Education System, student and PSB staff well-being on PEI 

An Educational Assistant works under the supervision of a teacher with students who have a variety of special educational needs including behaviors.  A willingness to work collaboratively with a support team consisting of parents and professionals is a necessary component of this position. 
Duties may include but are not limited to: 

• Promote and support optimal individual student well - being, including the cognitive, emotional, physical and social domains;
• Identify and facilitate opportunities for increased student independence to support individual short term and long term goals as well as facilitating positive interactions among all students;
• Assist teachers in implementing IEP/TAP/BSP (Individualized Education Plan, Transition Action Plan/Behaviour Support Plan) strategies/objectives;
• Personal Care Support including feeding, dressing, toileting and daily hygiene;
• Administer medication;
• Perform and implement NVCI strategies;
• Work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary education team;
• Implement programming as directed by professional staff (eg OT, SLP, PT);
• Demonstrate strategies that will assist students in achieving growth;
• Follow teacher’s verbal/written plans;
• Assist teachers in preparing materials;
• Foster an appreciation of diversity and contributing to a school culture of respect and belonging;
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions with students, staff and families:
• Other duties as required.

What you will bring:

• Certification or eligibility to work as an Educational Assistant in PEI public schools (as per the CUPE 3260 and Public Schools Branch guidelines)
• Verification of Qualification as a Regular Authorized Educational Assistant (www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/apply-regular-educational-assistant-authorization) from the Registrar at the Department of Education and Early Years; or Verification of Substitute only Authorization (www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/apply-for-educational-assistant-substitute-only-authorization) 
• Physical capacity to assist with lifting, transfers and active supervision;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively;
• Demonstrated ability to track and use data;
• Effective, clear communication with students, staff and parents for student success;
• Experience collecting data and implementing behaviour plans;
• Experience working with children preferably school aged;
• Training and experience of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis)/IBI (Intensive Behaviour Intervention);
• Training and experience with Autism Spectrum Disorder;
• Demonstrated physical abilities consistent with the requirements of the job which may include personal and physical care and willingness to work with physically aggressive students;
• Demonstrated ability to understand fostering independence in students with special needs;
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR;
• Good previous work and attendance record; 
• Current NVCI training is preferred;
• Applicant must have on file or submit a current Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector Check and have no past or present criminal record which would be detrimental in working in an environment with children, youth, and other adults.

Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest, however only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted. If you apply using the ATS system, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your application/resume.