Education Assistant

Summary

Are you passionate about supporting students with special needs to reach their highest potential? Gitsegukla Elementary School is seeking three (3) dedicated and compassionate Education Assistants (EA) to join our team. As an EA, you will work closely with students to provide special education services and assist them in achieving personal independence. Your role will involve collaborating with teachers, administrators, and other members of the student's team to implement individual education plans (IEP) and ensure a positive learning experience for all students.

Who we are

Welcome to the Gitsegukla First Nation, a vibrant and proud community comprising 500 individuals. Nestled at the confluence of the Kitseguecla and Skeena Rivers, just 40 km southwest of Hazelton, British Columbia, our name Gitsegukla symbolizes "people living under the precipice" in the Gitxsan language, representing the striking mountain that overlooks our land. Located in the captivating Skeena Valley, our community offers a serene and picturesque environment that has sustained our ancestors for countless generations. We hold immense pride in our diverse culture, profound history, and cherished traditions, and our unwavering commitment is to safeguard these invaluable treasures for the prosperity of future generations.

What we offer

Gitsegukla First Nation will provide you with purpose in your work. As part of our team, you will contribute to the betterment of our community. We value inclusivity, support, and care which foster a positive work environment. Along with the opportunity to work alongside a compassionate like-minded team, we provide a generous compensation package which includes:

• Vacation time to coincide with school vacations:Spring Break, Christmas Break and other school holidays
• Elective Leave: 15 days paid personal leave
• A generous registered pension plan
• A healthy extended benefit plan
• Training, Learning and Development to support your career growth

Supporting you

If you are community member who is re-entering the work force, a new graduate, or in the midst of a career change, Gitsegukla First Nation is committed to your success. We provide training, coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support your success. We ask that you have an eagerness to learn. Having all the qualifications listed in the posting is not always necessary!

What you will do

• Provide one-to-one and small group support to students with special needs, including learning, emotional, and physical challenges.
• Adapt teaching strategies and activities to accommodate individual learner needs and styles.
• Assist in the preparation of specialized teaching aids and materials as directed by the teacher.
• Reinforce learning activities using lesson plans and learning strategies developed by the teacher.
• Support students in developing personal hygiene, dressing, and eating routines when required.
• Implement specific techniques and strategies as demonstrated by the teacher and report concerns to the teacher or administrator.
• Collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals to implement individual therapy programs.
• Ensure student safety during various activities, including classroom sessions, playground sessions, field trips, etc.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and communicate progress and concerns only with relevant members of the student's support team.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to adapt to changing situations and take direction from various professionals.
• Knowledge of teaching methods and practices related to students with special needs.
• Familiarity with child development and behavior intervention strategies.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff and maintain effective relationships with special needs students.
• Proficiency in record-keeping and data monitoring.
• Physical strength and agility to assist students with special needs.

Experience and Education Requirements:

• Completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma in a related field such as Special Education Teaching Assistant certificate or equivalent training in psychiatric nursing, practical nursing, or childcare.

• Two years of prior related experience working with children or young adults with special needs in an educational, institutional, group home setting, or support worker capacity, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in, or willingness to learn, new educational techniques and methodologies.

Other Requirements:

• Experience working with First Nations students in an educational setting, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and understanding.
• Trauma informed training or education is an asset.

• Valid BC driver’s License.
• Completion of and possession of valid CPR and First Aid Certificate.
• Able to undergo initial and ongoing Vulnerable Sector Checks and Criminal Record Checks.

To apply:

If you are aligned with our values and are committed to supporting our community, please submit your resume and cover letter to , with the position title in the subject line.

We encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible, as applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference. s16(1) CHRA.