Job Summary

The Educational Assistant (EA) at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is a vital student-support role located at Severn Avenue Public School. Working a regular 10-month school year, you will be the “Support Specialist” for students with exceptionalities, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), developmental disabilities, and medical fragility. This role requires the “wit” to implement complex behavioral data charting and the “grit” to provide physical support, including lifting and toileting, in a dynamic classroom environment.

Job Details

Employer: Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB).
Location: Severn Avenue Public School, Ottawa, ON.
Position Type: 100% Regular (10-month work year).
Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
Compensation: $29.54 to $36.70 per hour.
Assignment Specifics: Regular classroom support, general population, and medical fragility support (specifically supporting a student with Diabetes).

Core Responsibilities

Student Advocacy: Under the direction of the Principal, provide nurturing support to students with exceptional needs, ensuring their well-being and academic progress.
Program Implementation: In collaboration with teachers, implement specialized programs for students with ASD, developmental disabilities, or sensory impairments (Deaf/Hard of Hearing or Visually Impaired).
Behavioral Management: Observe, record, and chart behavioral data to support Behavior Modification strategies.
Physical Support: Assist with “Activities of Daily Living,” including toileting, lifting, and participation in pool programs or physiotherapy exercises.
Medical Support: Monitor and assist students with medical needs, specifically providing care for students with Diabetes and other medical fragilities.
Assistive Technology: Utilize educational communication software like Dragon and Kurzweil to modify programs for students with learning disabilities or speech/language issues.
Safety & Supervision: Perform outside yard duties and ensure a safe, inclusive environment using Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or BMS protocols.

Candidate Profile

Education: Community college diploma in Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Child and Youth Care (CYW/CYP), or an assessed equivalent.
Experience: 1–2 years of related experience working with school-aged children with special needs.
Certification: Valid First Aid/CPR Level C and completed training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), TCI, or Behaviour Management Systems (BMS).
Technical Wit: Knowledge of the Ontario Curriculum and proficiency in assistive technology and computer skills.
Soft Skills: High dependability, a strong work ethic, and the flexibility to adapt to changing student needs throughout the day.

Technical Insights: Supporting Exceptionalities

An EA’s role is governed by the Individual Education Plan (IEP), which outlines specific accommodations and modifications.

Behavioral Charting: EAs use tools like ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) charts to track triggers and help professional staff develop effective Intervention Plans.
Diabetes Management in Schools: For students with Diabetes, EAs may assist with monitoring blood glucose levels and recognizing signs of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, following the student’s specific Medical Management Plan.
The “Unceded Land” Context: As an OCDSB employee, you are expected to honor the Algonquin Anishinabek people and foster a learning space that reflects the diversity of the Ottawa community.

Job Description

Do you believe that every student deserves a champion who understands their unique way of learning? The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board is seeking a dedicated Educational Assistant to join the team at Severn Avenue PS. We aren’t just providing “classroom help”; we are building “Brighter Futures” for students who face the greatest challenges. If you have the “grit” to manage physical care and behavioral crises with composure, and the “wit” to master assistive technologies that unlock a student’s potential, you are the leader we need.

In this role, you are a “Progress Partner.” You understand that for a student with ASD or medical fragility, your consistency is the foundation of their school day. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Support,” ensuring that every student is treated with dignity, whether you are assisting with a math lesson or a medical procedure. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are flexible team players and committed to the OCDSB mission of “Educating for Success.”

Joining the OCDSB means joining the largest school board in Eastern Ontario—a community that values your lived experience and your professional expertise. We offer a competitive hourly rate, a stable 10-month schedule, and a workplace that honors diversity and equity. If you are a DSW or CYW professional with a commitment to “Inclusion and Well-being,” we invite you to apply via Applytoeducation today.

Ottawa-Carleton District School Board | Excellence in the Capital

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is the largest school board in Eastern Ontario, serving approximately 77,000 students across 147 schools. As a major public institution, the OCDSB is the backbone of English-language education in Ottawa, offering a diverse array of programs in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Its 2026 operations are guided by a commitment to equitable outcomes and the “whole-child” approach to learning.

Corporate Identity: The 2023–2027 Strategic Plan

The OCDSB is currently in the middle of a transformative four-year strategic cycle. The board’s identity is anchored in three core pillars:

Learning: A focus on improved literacy and mathematics through evidence-based instructional strategies and a “Deep Learning” framework that emphasizes critical thinking and global citizenship.
Well-Being: Prioritizing mental health for both students and staff. In 2026, the board is heavily investing in guidance counselors, wellness experts, and “empathy-based” educator-student relationships.
Social Responsibility: A mandate to dismantle systemic barriers. This includes a dedicated Indigenous, Human Rights, and Equity Roadmap and a commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action.

Administrative & Regional Footprint

The board’s administrative operations are centralized in Nepean, but its schools are integrated into every corner of the National Capital Region.

OCDSB Administration – Nepean

Headquarters: 133 Greenbank Road, Nepean, ON K2H 6L3.
Diverse Settings: The board manages a massive infrastructure including 113 elementary schools and 25 secondary schools, plus specialized sites like the Adult High School.
Bilingual Integration: While an English board, the OCDSB is a leader in French Immersion, with a significant majority of its elementary students enrolled in French programming.

Specialized Program Pathways

The OCDSB offers several specialized “application-based” programs designed to meet diverse student needs and career aspirations:

Program	Focus	Notable Location
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Global academic excellence & rigorous prep.	Colonel By SS / Merivale HS.
Vocational & Skilled Trades	Hands-on apprenticeship & tech skills.	Sir Guy Carleton SS (The School That Works).
High Skills Majors (SHSM)	Industry-recognized certifications.	Various (e.g., Culinary, Urban Farming).
International Certificate (ICP)	Global citizenship & language proficiency.	Available at multiple secondary sites.
Special Education	Tiered intervention for complex needs.	Integrated and specialized classes board-wide.

Associate Benefits: “The OCDSB Employee Value Proposition”

With over 12,000 employees, the OCDSB is one of Ottawa’s largest employers. Its 2026 benefits package is designed to attract talent in a competitive public sector market:

Competitive 2026 Salary Ranges:
- Teachers: $64,000 – $120,000+ (Grid-based, depending on QECO rating and years of experience).
- Educational Assistants (EA): $25.35 – $29.80/hr.
- Early Childhood Educators (ECE): $23.50 – $27.00/hr.
- Administrative & IT Support: $45,000 – $93,000 (depending on role complexity).
Pension & Security: Access to the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) or OMERS for support staff—two of the most stable defined-benefit plans in Canada.
Holistic Health Coverage: Comprehensive extended health and dental, with a 2026 emphasis on expanded mental health credits and virtual healthcare services.
Professional Development: The board provides “off-floor” time for training in new literacy strategies and AI-assisted teaching tools.
Work-Life Balance: Generous sick leave, personal days, and vacation packages, though most academic roles follow the standard 10-month school year calendar.

2026 Fiscal Context: The “Balanced Budget” Challenge

Entering the 2025–2026 school year, the OCDSB managed an operating budget of over $1.2 billion. However, due to inflationary pressures and shifts in provincial funding (the new Core Education Funding model), the board has focused on “natural attrition” to manage costs without layoffs to contract teachers. This ensures that resources remain focused on the classroom while maintaining long-term financial health.

To apply for this job please visit www.ocdsb.ca.