Therapy Assistant

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning in a safe and caring environment supported by a highly effective team.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is seeking a qualified individual to join the Inclusive Learning Services team in the role of Therapy Assistant (TA).

Position Summary

The Therapy Assistant (TA) works as a member of the multidisciplinary support team under the supervision of the Director of Inclusive Learning (DIL), and in consultation with designated Occupational therapists (OT), the Physical Therapist (PT), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP), and the Student Support Facilitator (SSF).

The role provides support and services responsive to the identified strengths and needs of the student and groups of students in their learning environment.

It is the role of the therapy assistant (TA) to support and assist the multidisciplinary support team in specified service and support implementation to enable, enhance, and support student growth, success, and positive well-being.

This position will require work / travel to all of the students within Buffalo Trail Public Schools (BTPS) as there may be some onsite work with students, families, school site education staff, jurisdiction education staff, and agency partners in various school communities.

However, the primary work locations (at this time) would be the schools in the communities of Provost, Amisk, Hughenden, Edgerton, Chauvin, and Paradise Valley.

This position will be based out of Provost. Therefore, a valid Alberta driver’s license and a reliable vehicle are necessary requirements for this position.

Salary will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education, training, and experience.

Candidate Qualifications :

Completion of diploma from an accredited post-secondary institution (minimum)

Therapy Assistant (TA) Program

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) Program

Occupational Therapy Assistant / Physical Therapy Assistant (OTA / PTA) Program

Other equivalent training experiences may be considered

Previous experience working in a school environment would be considered an asset

Excellent verbal and written communication, collaborative, and interpersonal skills with demonstrated solution-focused problem-solving, proactive planning, and organizational skills are required

Must demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in meeting the diverse learning needs of the student(s) and the learning environment

Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attributes of a strong therapy assistant

Must relate and interact respectfully and positively with all students, families, staff, and learning team members

Must have a solid understanding of ethical considerations including personal and professional boundaries and work within the limits of personal competence within the broad practice contexts

Must have a strong understanding of the importance of confidentiality in all dealings with student(s), family, staff, and learning team members

Must demonstrate a willingness to engage, enhance, and commit to their own professional learning

Must also demonstrate a strong ability, knowledge, and skillset to use, and implement technology to support program data collection, screening, program implementation, and program monitoring on a daily basis is required

Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Word is considered an asset

Candidate Responsibilities :

Administration of screening tools (including communication, hearing, fine motor, gross motor, sensory, etc.) and information gathering techniques, using established protocols

Assistance with student assessments (such as data collection related to informal probes, observations in natural settings, etc.)

Implement recommendations and programming intervention strategies with students on a 1 : 1 basis and in groups as prescribed in a treatment plan / individual support plan (ISP)

Support, facilitate, and implement SLP / OT / PT evidence-based approaches to enhance communication, sensory, fine or gross motor, etc.

and related skills of students in natural settings, specific to educational learning environments

Observation and communication with SLP / OT / PT and other team members regarding a student's growth and need areas, behavior, health status, and ability to implement strategies and activities

Assist with the preparation of materials and resources; and the fabrication and maintenance of assistive communication, fine motor devices / adaptive equipment, etc.

as well as with the education and training of students and caregivers with respect to the use, maintenance, and limitations of the devices

Therapy Assistants may also have and be expected to be an active and engaged team member on the Central Intake (referral / consent / coordination / scheduling) panel

Support efficient and effective work and communication collaborations with the student, family members, staff, and learning team members

Therapy Assistants may also play a role in various administrative and support activities as designated

Must be aware and use human, financial, and physical resources effectively

Must be aware and respect and support diversity in all interactions

Follow BTPS Board Policies and Administrative Procedures

Email contact information for 3 professional references must be included in your Apply to Education profile as references may be contacted via email prior to interviews.

By virtue of the submission of an application, the applicant consents / agrees that the principal or designate can contact current or previous employers for the purpose of conducting confidential reference checks whether or not the applicant has listed a reference for that employer and contacting references.

An original acceptable criminal records check with vulnerable sector check will be a condition of employment.

Closing Details :

Applications must be submitted online, via Apply to Education. Only online applications will be accepted.

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

Deadline : Job will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Rolling resume review will begin on Friday November 8th.

For further information, please contact :

Crystal Tower, Director of Inclusive Learning Services

Phone : 780-806-2056

All applications received by the deadline will be considered. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.