Special Education Assistant

Position Summary

The Special Education Assistant (One-on-One) is dedicated to providing individualized support to a Level 3 autistic student within the educational setting. This role involves working closely with special education teachers, therapists, and other professionals to address the unique academic, behavioral, daily living, and life skills needs of the student, ensuring a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

This one-on-one role is essential in helping the Level 3 autistic student thrive by providing comprehensive, personalized, and compassionate support tailored to their unique needs.

This is a term contract position with an end date of June 30th, 2025, with the possibility of extension.

Work that Matters

Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band) is located 1 kilometer from Agassiz, BC on the beautiful Fraser River, 120 km east of Vancouver. We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and resilient community. Our work spans a diverse range of services including housing, education, health, wellness, early childhood development, community infrastructure, and cultural vitalization. By joining our team, you will be part of an organization that values First Nations knowledge, promotes self-advocacy, and strives to create a holistic and culturally safe environment for all community members.

Become a part of our team and help us continue making meaningful impacts every day.

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Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits,
• Accrued vacation and sick time,
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions,
• Access to internal training programs, professional development, and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code
  

What you'll do

Individualized Support, Personal Care, and Life Skills:

• Provide dedicated one-on-one support tailored to the specific needs of the Level 3 autistic student, including assistance with daily routines such as toileting, feeding, hygiene, and other personal care tasks.
• Support the development of life skills, such as dressing, grooming, and basic self-care.
• Facilitate communication and implement individualized learning strategies that promote independence, including the use of visual schedules, social stories, and assistive technology.

Behavioral and Sensory Support:

• Implement a possible behavior intervention plan (BIP) and sensory regulation strategies.
• Assist in managing challenging behaviors by maintaining a structured environment, consistent routines, and using positive reinforcement techniques. Support the student in developing self-regulation and coping skills through personalized strategies.

Classroom Assistance:

• Collaborate with the student's teachers to adapt and modify curriculum materials, ensuring they are accessible and comprehensible.
• Assist in creating a safe, predictable, and supportive classroom environment that reduces anxiety and enhances the student's learning experience.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Communication Facilitation:

• Support the student's communication needs using various methods, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, sign language, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), and other tools as appropriate.
• Foster communication between the student, peers, and staff to encourage social engagement and participation.

Data Collection and Monitoring:

• Track and document the student's progress, including academic achievements, behavioral responses, social interactions, and life skills development.
• Collect data to inform the special education team about the effectiveness of interventions and support adjustments to strategies as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and participate in IEP meetings to provide insights on the student's growth.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the student's teachers, therapists, family, and other stakeholders to create a cohesive support network.
• Participate in team meetings, share observations, and provide feedback to ensure alignment in the student's educational, behavioral, and developmental goals.

Crisis Management:

• Be prepared to respond calmly and effectively to crises or challenging situations, utilizing de-escalation techniques and following established protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of the student.
• Provide support during transitions and unstructured times to help the student navigate changes and reduce stress.

Professional Development:

• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices for supporting Level 3 autistic students, including training in behavior management, sensory integration, personal care, communication strategies, and life skills instruction
• Continuously seek opportunities to enhance skills and understanding of autism spectrum disorder.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned by your Manager, Director, Chief Administrative Officer, or Chief & Council.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Completion of an Educational Assistant course or equivalent qualification is required.
  
• Additional training in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is required, demonstrating specialized knowledge and skills in supporting Level 3 autistic students.
  
• Experience working with students with autism, particularly those with significant support needs.
  
• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and familiarity with evidence-based practices for supporting Level 3 autism.
  
• Ability to implement individualized strategies, including behavior intervention plans, communication supports, personal care routines, and life skills instruction.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
  
• Patience, empathy, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island's culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.

Reports to:

Principal

Pre-employment screening

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Education. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.