Job Code: 25EASPA64

EA/SPA

CAREER OPPORTUNITY:

Special Program Assistant – Developmental Services Worker

ABOUT THE UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD (UGDSB)

The UGDSB employs a team of approximately 4,000 dedicated staff who serve more than 35,000 students attending a variety of programs across 65 elementary and 11 secondary schools as well as continuing education and adult learning centres in the counties of Dufferin, Wellington, and the City of Guelph. The UGDSB covers the ancestral and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Six Nations of the Grand River, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation.

The UGDSB is committed to supporting student achievement and well-being through our team of dedicated staff and strong learning communities, always striving to meet the diverse needs of our students. Our employees are empowered to contribute in meaningful ways to the success of our students and the greater organization.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The UGDSB is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Educational Assistant team in the capacity of Special Program Assistant – Developmental Services Worker (SPA-DSW). The SPA-DSW supports students who have a developmental disability to realize their full potential.

Location:

Parkinson Centennial Public School

Hours of work/FTE**:**

0.5 FTE ; 17.5 hours per week

Rate of Pay / Salary Range:

$31.16 to $37.95 per hour; wage rate effective September 1, 2025

Board Information:

0.5 FTE; 10 months temporary, part-time; ESSP-DECE Union

Reporting to the school Principal, Special Program Assistants must possess willingness, along with the physical ability, to work with all of our students who have many diverse needs. This is a 10-month position (September to June) to start September 2, 2025 with an anticipated end date not to exceed June 26th**, 2026.**

Consideration of Applications:

Applications from employees within the UGDSB as well as external applicants will be accepted. Applicants will be considered in the following order, in accordance with the relevant Collective Agreement articles.

• Qualified permanent ESSP Bargaining Unit employees
• Qualified casual ESSP Bargaining Unit employees
• Qualified external applicants (includes employees from other Bargaining Units)

Responsibilities:

• Provide support to students utilizing service animals, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment
• Follow established policies and procedures regarding service animals in UGDSB workplaces
• Facilitating communication and positive interaction between the service animal and the student, which may include assisting with the animal's training
• Assist with managing the service animal during school activities (i.e. ensuring that the student and the animal have a positive and safe environment)
• Supporting the integration of the student and the service animal into the school routine, which may include providing supportive training with the student on strategies to safely handle and interact with the service animal
• Acts as a liaison between school and parents, school and community agencies
• Assist with development of action plans and IEPs for students
• To empower students with a developmental disability to recognize their strengths and abilities as learners
• Other duties as assigned

Experience and Qualifications:

Preference will be given to candidates who have the following qualifications:

• Development Services Worker Diploma or Social Services Worker Diploma
• Demonstrated experience supporting young adults and/or students with disabilities working toward gaining independence
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of service animal training, public access requirements, and best practices for working alongside service animals.
• Experience working in the community and school systems
• Experience with individual skill building, and programming to support student success
• Experience working to dismantle ableism and advocate for people with disabilities
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable method of transportation and ability to attend specific locations

APPLICATION DETAILS

Internal Applicants: Internal candidates (current UGDSB employees) are invited to email their application form and resume, along with any relevant supporting educational and/or training documentation (including Behaviour Management Systems certificate) in PDF format to specifying ‘Job Code 25EASPA64**'** in the subject line, no later than 4:00 PM on July 9**, 2025.**

External Applicants: Applications from external candidates (non-UGDSB employees) are accepted exclusively through . To submit your application, click the "Apply" button at the top of the page or visit: .

While we thank all applicants for their interest in working for the UGDSB, we wish to advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Complete the Educational Assistant Employment Application Form by clicking here:

Please note: An original Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) must be provided prior to the commencement of employment (if the successful candidate is external). The VSC must be dated within 6 months of the start date of employment. For further information, refer to the UGDSB's requirements.

INCLUSIVE RECRUITMENT & HIRING

Employment Equity

The UGDSB is committed to disrupting systemic racism and oppression in all of its forms. We are committed to building a diverse staff that is reflective of and adds value to the community and students we serve. We actively encourage applications from members of groups who have historically and/or currently experience marginalization and/or barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples
• Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions
• Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination based on race, ancestry, ethnicity, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin
• Persons with visible and/or invisible disabilities

At UGDSB, we recognize that many of the identities listed above do not exist in a single form and are often intersecting, creating complex and unique experiences for applicants. We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where everyone can participate fully, thrive, and reach their full potential. Please visit to find out more about equity, diversity and inclusion at the UGDSB.

Accommodation & Accessibility

We seek applicants with a wide range of abilities, and we provide an accessible candidate experience. If you require accommodation at any phase of the recruitment process, please contact .