About this position

PERMANENT FULL-TIME POSITION IN NORTH VANCOUVER

• Great opportunity to join the Squamish First Nations community

• Take your career to new heights with a dynamic and progressive First Nations government 

ABOUT THE SQUAMISH NATION

Squamish Nation consists of 23 villages and is comprised of descendants of the Coast Salish Aboriginal people who live in the present day Greater Vancouver area, Gibson’s Landing, and Squamish River watershed. The Squamish Nation has occupied and governed the territory since beyond recorded history. The Squamish Nation's culture is rich and resilient. We continue to practice our customs and traditions, which are strongly interconnected with our traditional territory.  Together with our lands, our customs and traditions are the foundations of who we are as Skwxwú7mesh

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We have a great opportunity for an experienced Education Assessment Specialist to join our dynamic and progressive team in North Vancouver. 

Reporting to the Education Advocacy, Support & Assessment Manager, the Education Assessment Specialist (EAS) is responsible to identify and support students K-12 who have special learning needs. The EAS develops new systems, enhances existing programs and stays current with best practices on assessment practices/evaluation tools. The EAS works with external agency, acting as point of contact, to ensure assessments are completed. She/he performs research to support/guide departmental vision in the student services area. Working closely with the Managers/Director of Education, Employment & Training Department (EET) and the Capilano Little One’s School Principal, this position will be the lead in identifying appropriate academic resources including psycho-educational assessments, tutoring, physical health assessment (i.e. sight, hearing), etc. The EAS coordinates, reviews, develops plans, while providing support to EET staff, and families in the explanation of individual plans. The EAS develops academic and behavioural objectives for these students; and provides continual guidance and support, working with the Elementary/High School Student Advocates and staff at Xwemelch’stn Etsímxwawtxw. The EAS develops/maintains a strong knowledge base regarding his/her specialized areas, i.e. appropriate curriculum for special needs students, psycho educational assessment testing, special education practices, resources, etc. She/he has exceptional time management/multi-tasking skills while operating at a high level of people interaction/collaboration, responding with courtesy, tact and diplomacy.  

Other responsibilities include: 

• Oversees, reviews and assesses Special Needs programs/services available to SN students, student assessment/support, manages the intake process and ensures criteria for assessments meet the funder’s requirements.
• Communicates goals, progress, findings and recommendations with inter-disciplinary team members, parents, and appropriate community professionals. Works with school staff and parents to develop, modify and implement individualized education programs that meets the needs of student’s educational, physical, social and emotional development.
• Reviews student files regularly to provide recommendations regarding student progress, needs, barriers, etc. Monitors data i.e. DIBELS/Read Well for intervention purposes, provides referrals for adequate support resources and implements prevention strategies to improve barriers to academic success.
• Provides special educational strategies and techniques to EA’s/Teachers. Evaluates and assess’ individual student learning abilities and supports students, EA’s and classrooms teachers.
• Works with external contractors/professionals to coordinate assessments as per established process/schedule. Sets goals and formulates plans of action for student improvement; follows up and provides feedback on student progress.
• Identifies factors in the home and community that may affect the students performance and progress. Consults with community agencies, programs, professionals, etc. regarding the needs of the students. Meets with parents to discuss the student’s progress and to determine priorities for the individualized educational plan.
• Responsible for collection/organization of data, secure file maintenance as required by laws/district policies/SN E,E&T policies/administrative regulations and accurate/time sensitive reporting. Ensures exit plans are in place for students for effective support and transition.
• Stays current with assessment practices, evaluation tools, trends, developments, etc. for Special needs students and makes recommendations and modifications to improve performance. Identify how to develop new systems, enhance existing programs, and be cognizant of current and best practices around assessment practices and standards.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external professionals, resources, agencies, contractors, etc. i.e. FNESC SEP Funding. Provides referral information to students and families regarding resources and keeps a list of resources up-to-date.
• Adheres to workplace health & safety policies, safe work practices and procedures.
• Participates as a member of the Advocacy, Support and Assessment and Education, Employment & Training Teams.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition, the ideal candidate will also have:  

• Master’s Degree in Education is preferred, willing to consider a Master’s Degree in Psychology or other relevant/related field from a recognized post-secondary institution OR Graduate Certificate/Diploma in Assessment/Evaluation or other relevant field from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• 2 - 3 (with a Master’s Degree) OR 4 – 5 (with a Graduate Certificate/Diploma) years directly-related experience in the majority duties listed in the job description including performing educational assessments, interpreting assessment results, providing educational/resource support to primary/secondary students and parents, relevant classroom experience working with students with special/behavioral needs, working with education professionals/resources, etc.
• As career progresses, incumbent will be required to successfully complete job-required, upgrading, training and courses relating to classroom management, assessment/evaluation/measurement, special/behavioral needs training, child/youth development, etc.
• Work experience/specialized training in behaviour intervention is an asset.
• Experience as an intermediate level user of the Internet, Microsoft Office Applications i.e. Outlook (Email), Word, Excel, etc.
• Previous experience working in a First Nations Community (particularly Squamish) is an asset.
• Must have valid BC Driver’s License Class 4 or 5. Class 7N may be considered.
• Reliable vehicle and current auto insurance is an asset
• Must successfully complete Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search as per Squamish Nation Policy.
• May be willing to consider a Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate/Diploma with an acceptable amount of experience.

If you are a skilled communicator and a friendly and dedicated professional this could be an ideal opportunity for you, candidates must apply online at http://www.squamish.net/jobs/ 

The above requirements are what Squamish Nation is seeking in the ideal incumbent at the time of posting and are subject to change, based on the needs of Squamish Nation.

About us

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