Educational assistant job description template

Position Identification

1. Position Summary

The Educational Assistant delivers specialized instructional, behavioural, physical, and personal care support to students with diverse learning needs in inclusive educational settings. Working under the direction of classroom teachers and [REPORTS_TO_TITLE], the position implements individualized student support strategies, accommodations, and behaviour intervention plans. The Educational Assistant maintains a safe, supportive, and accessible learning environment while promoting student independence, academic engagement, and social integration. The primary operational outcome is the consistent, dignified execution of educational and personal support plans that enable full participation in classroom activities in alignment with institutional accommodation frameworks.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Instructional Support and Learning Accommodations (25%)

• Administer individualized and small-group learning activities under the direction of the lead educator, reinforcing concepts in literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
• Adapt instructional materials, sensory tools, and learning aids to match student cognitive profiles and accessibility requirements.
• Facilitate the use of assistive learning technology and specialized communication devices during daily classroom tasks.
• Guide students through assigned learning exercises, prompting engagement and re-focusing attention to support task completion.

2.2 Behavioural Support and Crisis De-escalation (20%)

• Implement positive behavioural intervention strategies and individual Behaviour Support Plans established for assigned students.
• Identify environmental triggers and early indicators of emotional or behavioural dysregulation, applying proactive calming techniques.
• Execute non-violent crisis intervention and physical safety protocols during behavioural emergencies to ensure the physical safety of the student, peers, and staff.
• Redirect disruptive or unsafe behaviours using approved positive reinforcement and boundary-setting methods.

2.3 Personal Care and Physical Assistance (15%)

• Assist students with daily personal care routines, including toileting, personal hygiene, changing, and menstrual care with dignity and privacy.
• Support student nutritional intake by assisting with meal preparation, specialized feeding protocols, tube feeding support where certified, and monitoring for allergy risks.
• Perform safe physical transfers, positioning, and mobility support using prescribed adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, standing frames, and lifting devices.
• Administer scheduled oral or topical medications and basic medical procedures in strict accordance with physician orders, parental consent, and organizational health protocols.

2.4 Observation, Data Collection, and Documentation (10%)

• Record daily quantitative and qualitative observational data regarding student learning progress, behavioural incidents, and physical care interventions.
• Log all physical interventions, behavioural crises, and injuries in the incident reporting system within [N_BUSINESS_DAYS] business days.
• Maintain confidential, factual, and objective tracking logs to support Individual Education Plan (IEP) reviews, clinical assessments, and parent-teacher consultations.
• Provide objective feedback to classroom teachers and [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] regarding the effectiveness of specific accommodations and interventions.

2.5 Classroom Operations and Learning Environment Preparation (10%)

• Prepare and organize specialized learning stations, sensory regulation spaces, and adaptive learning materials prior to instruction.
• Sanitize adaptive equipment, communication devices, feeding tools, and therapy materials following established hygiene standards.
• Implement structured routines and visual schedules to ensure seamless classroom transitions for students with executive functioning challenges.
• Monitor inventory levels for student-specific supplies, personal protective equipment, and adaptive tools, notifying [REPORTS_TO_TITLE] when reordering is required.

2.6 Student Supervision and Safety Management (10%)

• Supervise assigned students across all school environments, including classrooms, hallways, lunchrooms, playgrounds, gymnasiums, and washrooms.
• Provide direct, focused supervision during arrival, bus loading and unloading, departure routines, and school excursions.
• Apply infection prevention and control practices, utilizing [REQUIRED_PPE] when performing personal care or handling bodily fluids.
• Respond immediately to student medical emergencies, seizures, or physical accidents by initiating first aid and notifying [FIRST_AID_CONTACT].

2.7 Multi-Disciplinary Team Collaboration (10%)

• Participate in student team meetings with teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Behavioural Consultants to review support strategies.
• Implement therapy regimens and developmental exercises designed by clinical specialists during the regular school day.
• Maintain professional, objective, and supportive communication with families when directed by the classroom teacher or [REPORTS_TO_TITLE].
• Engage in scheduled professional development and mandatory training sessions on inclusive education, behavioural safety, and occupational health.

3. Qualifications & Experience

Table 1: Position Qualifications and Defensible Requirements

4. Competencies

Table 2: Behavioural and Technical Competencies

5. Working Conditions & Performance Measures

5.1 Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Table 3: Physical and Environmental Demands Analysis

5.2 Performance Measures

Table 4: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

5.3 Career Path

• Typical Prior Roles: Early Childhood Educator (ECE), Child and Youth Worker, Respite Care Worker, Daycare Attendant, Camp Counsellor, Community Support Worker.
• Typical Next Roles: Lead / Senior Educational Assistant, Behaviour Intervention Specialist, Special Education Resource Coordinator, Child and Youth Care Counsellor, Classroom Teacher (with completion of required academic degree and teacher certification).

5.4 Position Acknowledgement

This job description outlines the primary duties, responsibilities, and working conditions associated with the Educational Assistant position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned. Operational requirements, student support plans, and classroom assignments may change over time, and [ORGANIZATION_NAME] reserves the right to amend this document with reasonable notice to meet educational and operational needs.

Incumbent Signature: ____
Incumbent Printed Name: [EMPLOYEENAME]
Date: [DD-MMM-YYYY]

Manager / Supervisor Signature: ____
Manager / Supervisor Printed Name: [MANAGERNAME]
Title: [REPORTS_TO_TITLE]
Date: [DD-MMM-YYYY]

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