Specialist Educational Assistant – High Needs Support

Stoney Education Authority

Full-Time | School-Based

Opportunities in Mînî Thnî, Eden Valley & Big Horn, Alberta

Make a meaningful difference in a student's school day

Stoney Education Authority is seeking compassionate, patient, and relationship-focused Specialist Educational Assistants – High Needs Support to join our school teams.

This role provides individualized support to students with complex or high needs and works closely with teachers, school administration, families, specialists, therapists, cultural and language staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other members of the student support team.

We have opportunities across SEA schools, with potential placements in Mînî Thnî, Eden Valley, and Big Horn.

This is a role for someone who can build trust, remain calm when situations become challenging, recognize the strengths in each student, and help young people participate meaningfully in their learning, relationships, culture, and school community.

What You’ll Do

As a Specialist Educational Assistant, you may:

- Provide one-to-one and small-group support to students with complex or high needs
- Build positive, trusting relationships through patience, consistency, compassion, and respect
- Support learning, communication, behaviour, emotional regulation, sensory needs, mobility, social development, and daily routines
- Work alongside classroom teachers to adapt activities and help students access learning
- Support goals identified through Individual Program Plans, Behaviour Support Plans, safety plans, and other individualized supports
- Use visual supports, modelling, prompting, assistive technology, communication supports, and other strategies based on individual student needs
- Recognize early signs of distress or escalation and use approved de-escalation and crisis-prevention strategies
- Support students in developing greater independence, confidence, communication, and self-advocacy
- Document student progress and observations clearly and objectively
- Participate in school, cultural, community, and land-based learning activities
- Work collaboratively with families, teachers, therapists, specialists,



and other members of the student support team

The position may also involve assisting students with mobility, toileting, hygiene, dressing, feeding, communication devices, adaptive equipment, or other personal-care needs depending on the assignment.

Supporting Stoney Nakoda Students

Culture, language, identity, family, community, and connection to the land are important parts of student learning and wellbeing at Stoney Education Authority.

You do not need to arrive knowing everything about Stoney Nakoda culture or language. We are looking for someone who approaches this work with respect, humility, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn.

The successful candidate will support students in accessing Stoney Nakoda language, cultural programming, traditional activities, storytelling, community events, and land-based learning where appropriate.

What We’re Looking For

We would love to hear from candidates with education, training, or experience in areas such as:

- Educational Assistance
- Child and Youth Care
- Disability Studies
- Early Learning and Child Care
- Social Work or Human Services
- Psychology
- Education
- Behavioural or developmental support
- Other related fields

A certificate, diploma, or post-secondary education in a related area is preferred, although an equivalent combination of relevant education, specialized training, and directly related experience may be considered. Previous experience supporting children or youth with behavioural, developmental, emotional, communication, sensory, physical, or learning needs is an asset.

We are particularly interested in people who bring:

- Solid relationship-building skills
- Patience, compassion, and emotional maturity
- A calm and respectful approach during challenging situations
- An understanding of trauma-informed and strengths-based practice




- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Good judgment and professionalism
- A commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive education
- Respect for Stoney Nakoda culture, language, traditions, community, and ways of knowing

Knowledge of the Stoney Nakoda language and culture is a strong asset, and a willingness to learn is expected. Why Work With Stoney Education Authority?

This is more than classroom assistance. You will be part of a multidisciplinary school team helping students build independence, confidence, belonging, communication, and connection.

You will have opportunities to:

- Work closely with students and see the impact of your support
- Collaborate with teachers and specialized professionals
- Develop skills in behaviour support, communication, trauma-informed practice, crisis prevention, and inclusive education
- Participate in professional learning
- Learn alongside Stoney Nakoda staff, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members
- Work in one of SEA's school communities in Mînî Thnî, Eden Valley, or Big Horn

Conditions of Employment Successful candidates will be required to provide:
- A satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
- Three satisfactory professional references
- Any additional training or certification required for the specific student assignment

Some assignments may involve significant physical activity, mobility assistance, personal care, or responding quickly during student-safety situations.

Apply Today

If you are someone who sees the person before the challenge, believes relationships are central to learning, and wants to help students participate fully in school and community life, we would like to hear from you.

Apply through Indeed with your resume and a brief overview of your relevant experience.

Stoney Education Authority is committed to creating learning environments where Stoney Nakoda students are supported academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally.

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Specialized Education Assistant (Morley)
🏢 Stoney Education Authority
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