Temporary Full Time Specialized Educational Assistant- Herald School in Medicine Hat

Medicine Hat Public School Division

Herald School

Herald School is a K-6 neighbourhood school that has approximately 155 students, providing quality programming designed to meet the wide range of academic, social, and life needs of our students. Herald School also hosts a Division Specialized Program composed of 4 congregated life-skills classrooms for students with diverse medical, cognitive, and social profiles. The inclusive environment of Herald School provides each of our students with learning opportunities that are unique to and are designed to enrich their educational and life experiences.

Specialized Educational Assistant

Temporary Full Time

Full Time (30 hours/week) temporary – position for remainder of the 2026-2027 school year

(potential for a permanent position next school year)

Skills & Aptitudes:

• Supporting Students with Diverse Physical Needs: Work with students with a range of abilities and disabilities, provide assistance in areas such as lifts and transfers, toileting, and life skills development.
• Positive Behavio u r Support Training: Apply current training in positive behaviour support techniques to encourage appropriate behaviour and foster a supportive learning environment.
• Self-Regulation Strategies: Assist students in developing self-regulation skills and coping mechanisms to manage emotions and behaviour effectively.
• SIVA Training: Utilize current SIVA Training to maintain regulation, safety, and relationships. Training can be provided.
• Adaptability: Able to adapt situations to engage individuals with disabilities who may need additional support or redirection, ensuring inclusivity and participation in classroom activities.
• Consistency, Routines, and Expectations: Understand and maintain consistency, routines, and clear expectations for individuals with diverse needs, ensuring a structured and supportive learning environment.
• Experience with Neurodiverse and Autism Spectrum : Possess extensive experience working with neurodiverse students, including those on the autism spectrum, and understanding their unique learning styles and support requirements.
• Collaboration with Service Providers : Under the supervision of a teacher, collaborate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language therapists to carry out programs as directed, supporting students' physical development and mobility goals.
• Sign Language and Visual Communication : Ability to use sign language in daily interactions to facilitate communication with students who are deaf or hard of hearing would be an asset
• Work as Part of a Team: Ability to collaborate, under the direction of the classroom teacher to support students, provide input and ask questions.

Qualifications:

• Educational Assistant Certificate or equivalent experience preferred.
• Experience and/or training working with students in a school setting.
• Ability to work with children with varied ages, skill levels, needs and abilities specifically early learning to grade 6.
• Ability to work within a specialized classroom at times.
• First aid would be an asset.

Helping students overcome challenges and celebrate milestones provides a deep sense of purpose and accomplishment, knowing your efforts make a tangible difference in their lives. If you want to have a profound impact on individual student growth and help build inclusive communities, this might be a fit for you.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Jennifer Nicoll at jennifer.nicoll@sd76.ab.ca

Thank you for your interest in Medicine Hat Public School Division.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.