Support Specialist - Appendix D/Temporary Assignment

Department:

Position Type:

Salary Range:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Anticipated Start Date:

Length of Contract:

Posting Information

Posting Closing Date:

Please note: jobs are posted until 12:01 am on the job closing date.

Job Description:

***Please note that applicants must submit their application by the evening before the closing date mentioned above. The posting closes at 12:01am on the morning of the closing date***

Reporting to the Chair, Academic Access Centre, the incumbent is responsible for the effective development, delivery and support of programing addressing student’s personal and educational needs in the AAADD (Academic Assistance for Adults with Developmental Difficulties) program. Support Specialists work in a classroom setting and one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities to help students further develop their academic skills as well as build social skills within a college environment. The incumbent supports learning and development of students in the areas of English, Math, current events, life skills, computers and job search skills.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Development and Administration

• In consultation with the team members in AAADD, designs, implements and monitors the curriculum of the educational program for the AAADD students.

• The program covers topics that include (but are not limited to): Current Events, Job Search, Life Skills, Computers, English and Math classes.

• Develops links with various Algonquin departments for the AAADD student coop placements for the Job Search course.

• Provides regular assessment of students’ development and meets with parents, social workers and/or counsellors to discuss future goals.

• Conducts class presentations to explain Student Council activities as well as other extracurricular activities.

• Attends and evaluates indoor and outdoor activities  to promote physical health and development, including field trips.

• Organizes other program activities such as mock shopping trips, cooking demonstrations, special presentations (e.g. students from the paramedic program).

• Assists with the preparation of an annual program survey, and participates in an annual open house for the parents of AAADD students (where feasible).

• Reviews the feedback gathered from the annual program survey and open house and consults with the Chair to determine which feedback to implement along with an implementation timeline.

• Acts as a substitute for other team members as required.

• Training PT replacement staff, DSW students on field placement and other hires.

• Performs other duties as assigned particularly when the AAADD Program Coordinator is not available.

Student Support

• Promotes the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of students, and maintains a positive ongoing communication and liaison with parents, social workers and/ or counsellors as well as identifying needs.

• Observes students for signs of illness and/or behavioural changes and takes necessary action.

• Provides first aid in emergency situations, according to policies and procedures.

• Attends team and staff meetings to discuss the program and the records of individual students.

• Participates in case conference on student issues.

Student Recruitment

• Conducts assessments for potential students.

• Develops and maintains close links with the community, K-12 schools and with families to help promote the program; conducts presentations in schools and community agencies and/or attends College events i.e. Open House as needed.

Other duties

• As required.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum two (2) year diploma - Developmental Service Worker Program, BA in Social Work, a BEd, special education or equivalent;

• Minimum of five (5) years working in programs for students with developmental difficulties, including developing and implementing educational programs;

• Valid First Aid and CPR.

*Position is paid at Payband I

*Vacancy is for P20338