Education Support Specialist, Full Time

The Program

At Taproot Community Support Services, we're a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot's future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we've grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $50 million.

Taproot Community Support Services provides culturally-based programs and social services for children, youth and families in the Northwestern Ontario communities of Kenora. This trauma- informed program combines outreach and structured educational support to a specialized group of youth through a wrap around support system while in a safe, inclusive space where participants can rebuild trust and gain the skills needed for personal and academic growth through a structured day programming and educational environment.

In Your Role You Will

• Communicate with the Program Management and Education and Community Partnership Program (ECPP) Teacher to assess each youth and design individual program plans for them
• Communicate effectively, regularly and as appropriate with the Program Management, ECPP Teacher, Vice-Principal, and/or other staff and parents/guardians, as well as appropriate outside agencies regarding the progress of the student in relation to their individual modified program(s)
• Review and become familiar with the needs and goals of students through review of individual education plans and other relevant resources including participation in appropriate training/professional development sessions.
• Facilitate HUB core programming or other identified promising practices.
• Provide individual and group programming using cognitive behavioural techniques.
• Implement individual program plans and ensure coordination of services for each student.
• Supervise students before, and after school hours, during break periods and lunch hour.
• Provide support to pupils and teacher to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
• Transport the students during field trips and scheduled out of class activities.
• Oversee initial admission process and participate in discharge planning
• Facilitate skill building, experiential or activity-based group sessions, such as interpersonal and life skills as reflected in assessments.
• Monitor individual progress toward goals identified in individual program plans and modify plans as necessary to assist students.
• Advocate for students as appropriate.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of students involved in the program by adhering to agency policies and procedures and taking appropriate action when necessary.
• Work collaboratively with the Outreach worker to reach youth goals
• Participate in regular staff meetings and function as an active team member.
• Deliver services according to agency policies and procedures.
• Maintain related documentation using agency approved software, and provide reports as required.
• Make recommendations to the Program Management regarding program developments, policy and procedure formulation and program evaluation.
• Assist with program maintenance, food preparation and expenditure planning.
• Participate in agency committees upon request of the program management.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as required.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with program advisor committee.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with community service providers and other professionals to coordinate service provision and represent the organization and/or program in external events.
• Represent the agency on community committees as requested by the Program Management.
• Coordinate community involvement in program activities.

The Position

Responsible for providing support and intervention to adolescent youth in an educational setting. Provides leadership, role modeling, and skill building activities to students. Responsible for planning, coordinating and facilitating students' involvement in program components and for addressing overall developmental and social needs in order to modify thinking and behaviour in a positive direction and develop ability to manage their lives.

This position requires membership with UNIFOR.

One (1) permanent, full-time position available, with a weekly schedule of 40 hours:

• Monday through Friday,

Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks

*** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• Ontario High School Diploma or equivalent required as well as as well as one of the following: Diploma in Teacher Aide Program, Child Care Worker Program, Developmental Services Worker Program, Children's Services Program or Early Childhood Education Program, or an equivalent diploma or certificate program as determined by the agency.
• An understanding of sexual exploitation
• Minimum two years related experience
• Valid class G driver's license and proof of insurability as a driver, as well as reliable transportation
• Current First Aid / CPR Certificates

Required Competencies:

• To coach students, transfer knowledge, develop skills and/or develop the understanding of the students being coached.
• To focus one's efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the student.
• A willingness to hold oneself accountable for acting in ways, both privately and publicly that are consistent with stated values, principals, and/or professional standards.
• The ability to draw on one's own experience, knowledge, and expertise to demonstrate good judgement.
• The desire and ability to work co-operatively and collaboratively within the team/work group. Including contributing fully and actively to team activities, projects and client initiatives to achieve group and organizational goals.

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength-based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we're building a company we're proud of.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
• Work/life balance
• Learning and career development opportunities
• Competitive wages and salaries, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Ontario
• Professional development opportunities and job-related training
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Long Service Milestone rewards
• Employee referral bonus program
• A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you Please apply.

Equal-Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Website reference

For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website:

Closing Statement

We recognize that equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an important element in our work and in our day to day lives.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.