Educational Assistant (Focus Program) (FRH) Permanent

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) is one of the largest school divisions in Alberta serving the education needs of approximately 17950 students in 42 schools. Every day the staff and students of EIPS are encouraged to pursue opportunities to grow and discover their passions in life. We pride ourselves on providing staff and students with the tools to achieve success by offering dynamic programming current resources and practical professional learning opportunities.

EIPS is recruiting a permanent full-time Educational Assistant for the Focus Programat F.R. Haythorne Junior High.

F.R. Haythorne Junior High serves approximately 580 students in grades 7 to 9 with 33 teaching staff and 7 support staff. The school is located in Sherwood Park AB. Character education citizenship and student leadership are integral to the F.R. Haythorne experience. Staff administration and the parent community maintain very high academic and behavioural expectations for students attending the school and the school has established a consistent emphasis on maximizing student achievement.

• Commencing January 5 2026
• 31.5 hours per week (6.25 hours per day Monday Tuesday Thursday and Friday 6.5 hours Wednesday)
• Open to internal and external applicants
• Click on Sign in with Employee Email to be considered an internal applicant.
• EIPS offers a comprehensive benefit package

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 students 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.

We are seeking an Educational Assistant who has experience with trauma-informed practices emotional regulation and de-escalation with training in Mental Health First Aid or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention considered and asset. Educational assistants should be flexible willing to support students personal care needs and experienced in addressing social-emotional challenges behavioral issues and cognitive delays. They must be able to implement regulation strategies and respond proactively and appropriately to students in a variety of situations.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

Educational Assistants (EAs) assist teachers with many instructional and non-instructional tasks in the classroom and with other school activities. EAs work as members of the school and student support team. EAs either work with a particular special needs student or a group of students within a class or in a special program.

The EA provides routine and repetitive instructional support. Under the direction of the teacher an EA assists the student in acquiring the education and skills necessary for advancement in the educational setting. To reach this objective the EA follows an individually prescribed learning program through team planning and working one-on-one with the student(s). This involves routine recording basic charting and logging of observations. EAs may provide personal care and additional assistance for students depending on their particular needs.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma
• Educational Assistant Certificate or comparable education would be an asset
• 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
• Minimum of one-year related experience

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies

• Strong oral and listening communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills combined with tact and diplomacy
• Strong organizational skills time management skills and pacing skills to support student scheduling
• Reliability and dependability
• Ability to work effectively as an active team member in cooperation with other team members and students
• Comfort and competency working with personal computers and other technologies to support student learning including communication devices
• Ability to respect and value all individuals with sensitivity to diversity
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviours of students
• Ability to effectively utilize crisis intervention strategies
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility in work assignments
• Willingness to tend to the personal care needs of students if required

Note: This position might require lifting and carrying demands that require the ability to bend at the waist stoop and twist frequently the ability to lift between 10 to 50 lbs. the ability to carry push and pull between 10 to 50 lbs. and the ability to stand walk and sit frequently. The incumbent may be subject to challenging behaviours of students.

For further information contact Erin Clark Principal at 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- or email.