Special Needs Support Worker: Complex Behaviour Focus Permanent, full-time position Sudbury Catholic District School Board is proud to serve a diverse community and is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environment. We are currently seeking Special Needs Support Worker to join our dedicated team of professionals.

The Special Needs Support Worker plays an integral role in supporting students with complex behavioural needs by providing direct services and collaborating with the school team to promote student well-being and success. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary Support Services Team, the successful candidate will apply trauma-informed practices, the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and other evidence-based strategies to help students develop the skills they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school administration, educators, and support teams to develop, implement, and monitor individualized behaviour support plans that are responsive to students’ unique needs, ensuring ongoing evaluation and timely adjustments to maximize effectiveness and student success.
• Provide direct support to students to build emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.
• Apply a trauma-informed approach by recognizing behaviour as a form of communication and responding with empathy and understanding.
• Model effective intervention strategies and provide in-the-moment coaching to staff.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions based on data and collaborative team input.
• Contribute to professional development, team planning, and capacity-building efforts.
• Support crisis prevention and intervention efforts by guiding staff in de-escalation techniques and post-incident reflection.
• Maintain accurate documentation of interventions, progress, and team communications to support transparency and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Behavioural Science, Psychology, Child and Youth Work, Social Work, or a related field.
• Experience working with children and youth with complex behavioural needs, including those impacted by trauma or mental health challenges.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, skill-building approaches, and behavioural intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of ABA principles and other evidence-based practices.
• Demonstrated ability to train, coach, and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and effective in high-stress situations.

Required Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of direct experience working with children or youth with complex behavioural needs in educational, clinical, or community settings.
• Supporting students with behavioural challenges rooted in trauma, mental health, or skill deficits.
• Implementing or supporting plans to address complex behavioural needs.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., educators, psychotherapists, social workers).
• Applying trauma-informed and skill-building approaches in real-world settings.
• Experience providing professional development or coaching to educators and support staff.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of the elementary and secondary education system in Ontario.
• Demonstrated understanding of special education issues, particularly those relevant to children and youth with complex behavioural needs, including those impacted by trauma, mental health challenges, or skill deficits.
• Strong knowledge of the relationship between environment, behaviour, and consequences, with the ability to connect this understanding to effective strategies for behaviour change and skill development.
• In-depth understanding of behavioural challenges and the ability to design and implement plans that build functional skills, promote communication, and foster independence.
• Experience in the design, implementation, and delivery of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) strategies to support staff in meeting the programming needs of students who require intensive behavioural support to be successful in classroom and school environments.
• Basic knowledge of MFIPPA (Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) and PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act), and their application in educational settings.

Skills And Abilities

• High level of personal integrity, professionalism and strong work ethic
• Ability to diffuse challenging situations and remain calm
• Excellent communication skills when interacting with others including but not limited to students, staff, families, and outside agencies
• Ability to effectively work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team
• Efficient time management and prioritizing skills
• Excellent inter-personal skills
• High level of attention to confidentiality
• Ability to define problems, gather data, plan and implement strategies and measure growth and/or efficacy
• Ability to effectively communicate and relate to people with compassion and professionalism
• Proficiency in various computer software programs, including presentation software
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

Hours of work: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday. The annual work schedule typically follows the school year calendar and may include additional days if required.

The salary range for this position is $37.83 to $46.28 hourly and includes a comprehensive benefit package.

Our board is committed to providing safe environments for our students and staff. Should you receive an offer of employment will include the requirement to submit an acceptable Police Record Vulnerable Sector Check, and completion of the Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps Training (on-line) prior to the commencement of any employment duties.

For more information on this opportunity and working for Sudbury Catholic Schools, please contact Human Resources Services for a copy of the fully detailed job description and visit . Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and submit an up-to-date resume, along with supporting educational / training documentation. All applicants are thanked for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

As part of its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity, the Sudbury Catholic District School Board is committed to building a diverse and qualified workforce which reflects and serves the needs of its students and its communities, and supports the mission, vision and values of the Board.

In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is being collected under the authority of the Education Act and will be used for employee recruitment and selection purposes. For questions about this collection of information please contact Human Resources Services at (705) 673-5620.

If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, or if you have questions about this collection of information, please contact Human Resources Services at (705) 673-5620.

Thank you for your interest in Sudbury Catholic Schools.

Mission: To realize each student’s potential within our inclusive Catholic learning community by nurturing and developing their mind, body and spirit.

Vision: Leaders in Learning and Faith