Therapeutic Assistant (7) - Occupational Therapy

The job provides a range of educational support services, under the supervision of a Therapeutic Specialist (TS), to students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 within the environment of our inclusive educational programs. The primary focus is to work directly with students and the teacher to provide support for a range of needs that impact classroom/academic functioning and to extend the services of the Therapeutic Specialist assigned to that classroom.

This job involves working within the classroom environment together with a classroom team consisting of a teacher and therapeutic Specialist and may also include Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators, Learning Coaches, other multi-disciplinary team members (MDT), administrators, parents, and school staff.

Job Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement programs/strategies with specific students and or groups of students within the classroom environment as outlined by the specialist and classroom team;
• Plan and implement small and large group strategies/activities within the classroom environment that support the development skills of identified students;
• Develop materials related to varied programs/strategies as determined by the Therapeutic Specialist;
• Provide support to families by assisting with home program preparation, modeling, and monitoring;
• Monitor, record, and provide feedback;
• Monitor the effectiveness of programs/strategies designed to meet specific objectives;
• Develop and maintain specific notes for Therapeutic Specialist and classroom team regarding students’ progress and response to current program/strategies follow up through contact notes, progress notes, anecdotal observations, and/or conversation;
• Share information with the classroom teaching team regarding planned strategies/programs and communicate with Therapeutic Specialist to determine the appropriate level for programming and additional follow-up required;
• Model/discuss strategies and supports as appropriate with the classroom team;
• Assist in the delivery of workshops/seminars;
• Conduct screenings to facilitate interpretation of results; assist in administering informal/formal screening tools to gather information;
• Assist with preparing materials, and scheduling activities, as directed by Therapeutic Specialist or Assistant Manager (e.g. summer treatment programming);

• Perform checks and maintenance of equipment and materials, including cleaning and organizing of materials room;

Qualifications:

• Therapist Assistant, Occupational or Physical Therapy diploma from a recognized institution, plus three years of directly related pediatric experience;
• Certified Member of the Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta (THAA) is required;
• Knowledge of applied human anatomy, applied human physiology, functional anatomy and orthopedics, physical dysfunction and exercise in physical therapy; learning through play principles;
• General knowledge of inclusion principles and practices, and 21^st Century educational skills;
• Knowledge of multi-media technology and equipment, Microsoft and Apple iPads;
• Knowledge of program planning and project management techniques;
• Knowledge of Microsoft programs including Office 365, Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer;
• Knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Legislation specifically related to student records;
• Knowledge of Workplace Safety and Occupational Health and Safety regulations, with a focus on lifting, transferring, and repositioning students;
• ​ Advanced verbal and written skills- in English including digital literacies;
• Good communication, strong interpersonal skills, and a friendly/positive attitude are essential;
• Ability to work with a wide variety of clients and needs;
• Strong teamwork skills with the ability to work independently as well as collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams;
• Flexible with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Good self-reflection skills and ability to quickly adjust to feedback;
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and work within tight timelines;
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence decisions;
• Ability to travel to various sites in the City of Edmonton;
• Ability to communicate with sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact is essential;
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;
• Knowledge of the district and school policies, procedures, and programs, community services for children and families, and an understanding of the Alberta Education curriculum.