Educational Assistant - FOCUS/GOALS programs (BFH) - Permanent - #230156

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta, serving the educational needs of approximately 17,750 students in 43 schools. Every day, the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. The Division prides itself on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming, up-to-date resources and practical professional learning opportunities.

EIPS is recruiting a full-time Education Assistant at Bev Facey Community High to support an increase in FOCUS students and complexity within the GOALS program.

Bev Facey Community High serves approximately 1,080 students in grades 10 to 12, with 58 teaching staff and 20 support staff. The school is located in Sherwood Park, AB. The school's many programs foster a culture of acceptance, support, fair play and excellence. Academics, athletics, fine arts, CTS programs as well as leadership opportunities all give students the opportunity to achieve excellence.

FOCUS - The Focus Program is a specialized system program designed to support the needs of students in grades 7-12 identified with neuropsychiatric disorders or a mental health diagnosis that impacts the student’s ability to cope and learn in a traditional classroom or school environment. Students are supported both academically and socially through a safe and structured classroom environment with predictable and clearly articulated procedures and expectations. Core subject areas and optional courses are available through a variety of instructional settings including small-group instruction or regular programming. The program has a strong focus on goal setting, problem-solving and coping skills, support networks and social skill development.

GOALS - The Generating Occupational, Academic and Life Skills (GOALS) Program is a specialized system program designed to meet the needs of students identified with mild cognitive (intellectual) disabilities. The program focuses on improving academic and independent living skills within a positive and supportive learning environment.

• Commencing August 27, 2026
• 32.5 hours per week (6.5 hours/day)
• Open to internal and external applicants
• Click on “Sign in With Employee Email” to be considered an Internal Applicant

Key Duties/Responsibilities

The Education Assistant (EA) assists teachers in creating a welcoming, safe, and caring classroom that supports effective learning and student success. Reporting to the Principal, the EA is assigned to assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and during school activities. This includes providing student supervision and assisting students with personal, physical, and medical care. Under the direction of the teacher, and through interdisciplinary team planning, the position supports programming for students and assists with the implementation of developmental and behavioural strategies. The Certified EA has received specialized training to assist children and youth who have a wide range of abilities and exceptionalities including significant emotional and behavioural challenges, learning difficulties and complex physical health concerns.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Provide Daily Learning Support: Support teachers in helping to deliver specialized programming, implement individual Instructional Support Plans (ISPs), and guide students through assignments using assistive technologies and regular computers.
• Foster Positive Behavior & Social Skills: Help students stay focused, interact positively with peers, and navigate their day by applying proactive de-escalation, co-regulation, and behavioral support strategies.
• Deliver Hands-On Personal Care: Support students' physical and hygiene needs throughout the day, including assisting with toileting, diapering, dressing, food preparation, feeding, and administering medication or first aid as required.
• Assist with Mobility & Specialized Equipment: Help students move safely around the school by providing physical assistance with walking, transfers, and positioning them in specialized equipment while carefully practicing good body mechanics.
• Supervise and Ensure Safety: Maintain a safe, welcoming school environment by monitoring students during arrivals/departures, transitions, recess, field trips, and classroom activities to anticipate emotional needs and prevent unsafe behaviors.
• Collaborate with a Specialized Team: Work closely with teachers, school staff, and interdisciplinary specialists (like Speech-Language Pathologists, etc.) to implement professional recommendations and track student progress.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Educational Assistant Certificate or comparable education would be an asset
• Minimum required education - High School Diploma
• 2 years related experience working with children or youth
• First Aid certificate would be an asset
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training would be an asset
• Courses related to working with students with special needs would also be an asset

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully take direction and work in a multidisciplinary team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to remain calm in a high stress, fast-paced environment.
• Experience using de-escalation, emotional regulation, and co-regulation techniques.
• Strong collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.
• Flexibility, patience, sensitivity, tolerance, enthusiasm, creativity, and imagination.
• Knowledge of classroom routines, assistive technology and other care equipment.
• Experience providing complex personal and physical care.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of applicable
• Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
• Good knowledge of computers and applicable technology.

For more information, please contact Ken Wlos, Principal, at 780-467-0044 or email .

Only online applications will be accepted.

Elk Island Public Schools appreciates and considers all applications; however, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews.

If you require assistance with the application system, please call Apply to Education at 1-877-900-5627 or email [email protected].