Itinerant Educational Assistant

**Itinerant Educational Assistant**:
**Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education**

**Annapolis/Western Kings**

**Itinerant**Educational Assistant - 5.50 hours per day**

**Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, are in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Bargaining Unit.**

**Itinerant Educational Assistants** provide support to students who are identified through the program planning process as requiring support with medical and personal care and/or safety/behavior management at various locations in the Annapolis/West Kings area.

**Qualifications and Abilities**:

- Bona fide occupational requirements as identified (e.g. American Sign Language, Augmentative Communication Devices, Braille, ability to lift and position, etc.)
- Specific health-care support training or certification as required.
- Ability to perform physical requirements of the position (e.g. move quickly to respond to student responses, ability to stand for a significant amount of time.)
- Current CPR and First Aid training.
- 10 years experience working with students with complex behaviours in varied grade levels.
- Experience working with children and youth with behavioural challenges, preferably in an educational setting.
- Knowledge of positive behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Understanding of IPPs, Positive Behaviour Intervention Plans and Safety Plans and their implementation.
- Understanding of positive reinforcement strategies and the required frequency of these
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- A compassionate, patient, and empathetic approach to working with students.
- A valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License.
- Required daily travel amongst school sites.
- Flexibility and adaptability to respond to the needs of students and to move from school to school as necessary.

**Responsibilities**:
**1. Personal Care**:
As identified through the program planning process and under the direction of the teacher(s) and/or school team, when a student cannot, or should not, perform these activities independently, the Itinerant Educational Assistant may be required to:

- Assist students with physical and mobility challenges.
- Ensure a safe and respectful environment when meeting personal care needs of students.
- Assist students with routines.
- Assist in the operation of support equipment, including lifts and assistive technology.
- Administer medication and oral inhalant according to the Guidelines.
- Carry out medical procedures (e.g., catheterization, tube feeding) when trained and authorized, according to board policies and/or guidelines.
- Implement programs as prepared by the Speech Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist, and Occupational Therapist or other professionals.
- Assist with program support when specifically directed and monitored by teacher(s).

**2. Safety/Behaviour Management Support**:
Under the direction of the teacher(s) and/or the program planning team, the Itinerant Educational Assistant will support the implementation of identified behavior management outcomes. When a student is unable to self-regulate his or her behavior, the Educational Assistant will:

- Use appropriate de-escalation strategies in accordance with AVRCE Regional training and the students’ plan.
- Encourage students to respect the provincial _Code of Conduct_ policy and _Safe Schools Strategy._
- Model and encourage respect for self and others.
- Promote or facilitate positive interactions among all students.
- Record data and observations as directed.
- Assist with program support when specifically directed and monitored by teacher(s) and/or Regional Staff.
- Assist in the implementation of behaviour management strategies and interventions to promote positive behaviour and de-escalate challenging situations.
- Assist with the collection of data to monitor student progress and the effectiveness of interventions.
- Assist in supporting students in developing social skills, emotional regulation, and self-management strategies.

**3. Transportation of Students**

Educational Assistants may be required to accompany students or to provide transportation to students to and from school via school bus, taxi, or private vehicle in compliance with Board policy and procedures.

**4. Rapport With Students**

Educational Assistants are also expected to foster and maintain positive relationships with students, promoting their self-esteem and independence.

**5. Supervision of Students**

Educational Assistants may be required to:

- Provide supervision for students.
- Provide supervision for students during the lunch and recess breaks.
- Provide supervision for students in the cafeteria, halls and other designated areas.
- Provide supervision of students getting on or off the school buses before and after school is