The Catholic Independent Schools of the Nelson Diocese (CISND) operates six elementary schools and one secondary school across the beautiful Okanagan and Kootenay regions of British Columbia. CISND is dedicated to providing quality Catholic education.
It is committed to hiring qualified staff who share a passion for supporting student growth academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. An uncommon educational needs support specialist provides support to students with additional requirements, including learning difficulties, physical disabilities, significant introversion range disorder (ASD), and mental health conditions.
The most pressing need for SEN specialists is to ensure the wellbeing and well-being of children with disabilities in a learning environment. If you are interested in working with young people but do not wish to become a teacher, becoming a special education professional may be an ideal career path.
Introduction:
St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Nelson, BC, is currently seeking an After-School Support Worker to join its after-school program team. This part-time position involves working every Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM, supporting students in a safe and nurturing environment that promotes learning and personal development.
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Role Overview:
As an After-School Support Worker, you will play an essential role assisting students with additional learning or developmental needs. These may include:
- Learning disabilities
- Physical challenges
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Mental health conditions
Your primary responsibilities will involve supporting these students to participate fully in after-school activities while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Key Responsibilities:
The daily responsibilities of education supporters are contingent upon the school they are employed at, the size of the student body, and the educational requirements of the students. In any event, these center errands are prevalent, despite the variables:
- Provide a comprehensive explanation: Educators provide students with a comprehensive explanation of the courses and prerequisites available to them, advising them on how to use these courses to achieve their educational objectives.
- Instructional Supporters: They provide students with guidance on how to access and utilize available technology and other resources.
- Develop Instructional Strategies: Instructional advisors collaborate with students to develop instructional strategies for both the short and long term.
- Compose Progress Reports: Instructional assistants monitor the progress of individual students and generate reports that detail their progress.
- Lesson Plans Review: Instructional supporters conduct surveys of instructors’ lesson plans.
- Classroom Observation: Instructional assistants conduct classroom observations and record their findings in order to advance their teaching methods.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
Successful candidates typically possess the following skills:
- Verbal communication skills: Verbal communication skills are employed by instructional assistants to provide guidance and elucidate various options to students.
- Interpersonal skills are essential for education supporters, as they must collaborate with other educators.
- Analytical thinking: educators develop lesson plans and instructional strategies to help students achieve their desired goals. Consequently, schools seek out professionals with exceptional elucidation abilities.
- Multitasking: educators are tasked with the responsibility of addressing a large number of students and completing a multitude of assignments simultaneously, both of which necessitate exceptional multitasking skills.
- Computer skills: Computer skills are critical for this position, as instructional assistants are responsible for explaining various technologies and resources to students and utilizing computer programs.
- Organizational skills: Back laborers are required to possess organizational skills due to the extensive number of tasks they perform on a daily basis. Arranging methodologies for a child in progress is crucial for maintaining a smooth classroom environment that does not disrupt the instructor or other students.
- Interpersonal skills: Interpersonal skills enable back specialists to establish rapport with others and ensure that they are at ease around instructors when they collaborate on tasks such as assessments or gathering exercises. Additionally, empathy is an essential quality to possess when interacting with children in challenging circumstances.
Benefits:
Employees working in Canada enjoy several valuable benefits, including:
- Visa Sponsorship:
Employers like the Catholic Independent Schools of the Nelson Diocese (CISND) may offer work visa sponsorship to qualified international candidates, facilitating legal employment and residence in Canada. - Competitive Hourly Wages:
Typically ranging from CAD $18 to $28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. - Employment Insurance (EI):
Access to temporary financial support if you lose your job through no fault of your own. - Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Contributions:
Mandatory employer and employee contributions that build retirement savings and provide benefits such as disability and survivor pensions. - Short-Term Disability Benefits:
Some employers provide income protection if you are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. - Paid Vacation and Statutory Holidays:
Entitlement to paid time off in accordance with provincial labor standards. - Stable and Supportive Work Environment:
Opportunities to work in well-established schools that prioritize student welfare and staff development. - Professional Development Opportunities:
Access to training and certifications to enhance skills and career progression. - Health and Dental Benefits:
Some school districts or employers may offer extended health coverage. - Pathway to Permanent Residency:
Work experience gained under visa sponsorship can support future applications for permanent residency in Canada.
How to Apply for School Support Worker Jobs in Canada 2025?
If you are passionate about supporting students and meet the qualifications, we encourage you to apply for the After-School Support Worker position at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Nelson, BC.
To apply:
- Prepare your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and skills
- Submit your application via the official CISND website [Insert official application link here] or email [Insert HR email address]
- Applications are accepted until [Insert deadline date]
This is an excellent opportunity to join a committed team dedicated to delivering quality Catholic education and fostering student growth in a caring environment.
Additional Resources:
Conclusion:
If you need help preparing your application or want to learn more about working with children with special educational needs in British Columbia, please reach out to local educational support organizations or your nearest employment center.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need special certifications or training to work with students with special needs?
While not always mandatory, certifications such as Special Education Assistant (SEA) training or courses in child development and behavior management improve your chances of employment and effectiveness in the role.
Is visa sponsorship available for international applicants?
Yes, some Canadian school districts and private schools offer visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates. The Catholic Independent Schools of the Nelson Diocese (CISND), for example, may sponsor work visas for certain support worker positions. Eligibility and process details vary, so applicants should inquire directly with the employer.
What is a School Support Worker, and what do they do?
A School Support Worker assists students who have special educational needs (SEN), such as learning disabilities, physical challenges, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or mental health conditions. They support teachers by helping students access the curriculum, manage behavior, and participate fully in school and after-school activities.