COMMUNITY DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKER

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Residential Supervisor or Team Leader, the Residential Aide: promotes the overall wellness of each individual, participates in the development and implementation of personalized plans for each individual, supports each individual’s personal development, participates and ensures that individuals have a positive home environment in which to live, participates and ensures the daily completion of observations notes and reports, daily household chores, routine housekeeping, yard upkeep, snow shovelling, etc.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the general direction of the Residential Supervisor or Team Leader, the incumbent in this position will be required to:

Promote and support the overall wellness of each individual in the areas of safety, health, emotions, sexuality, and spirituality by:

• adhering and subscribing to the mission, goals, objectives, and values of Parkland Community Living and Supports Society
• encouraging, assisting and if required, supervising in the area of personal hygiene
• promoting and encouraging nutritious meal preparation
• encouraging, assisting and supervising the safe storage and use of medications
• Identifying and becoming very familiar with the medical and behavioural needs of each individual, as well as following the protocols of Parkland C.L.A.S.S.
• monitoring and accepting varying degrees of responsibility for the individual’s attendance at medical, dental, and other appointments and therapies
• encouraging, assisting and supervising in the safe operation of household appliances, medical equipment, and assistive technologies, as required
• recognizing and responding to the individual’s emotional needs in a positive compassionate manner
• providing support and understanding in consultation with individual and guardian in the area of sexual expression
• recognizing the different types of abuse and following Abuse Protocol
• providing support and understanding in consultation with the individual and guardian in the area of spirituality
• ensuring the individual has a positive home environment in which to live
• advocating on behalf of the individual
• Following and implementing all approved standards (i.e. CAC, fall prevention, etc.)
• following all safety protocols pertaining to bathing temperatures, safe handling of and storage of medications, stair records, cleaning products, and use of personal protective equipment in accordance with Agency policies, Public Health, health and safety guidelines and any new expectations that are communicated through emailed or posted updates
• participate in the completion of, and regular review, of the Workplace & Individual Hazard review(s)

In support of overall wellness, participate in the development and implementation of an Individual Support Plan [ISP] for each individual by:

• building and promoting positive relationships with individuals, guardians, community, support staff and significant others
• assisting in gathering information on individual history, family dynamics, likes/dislikes, personal goals, strengths, etc.
• knowing the individual’s programs, goals and objectives
• assisting in orienting the individuals to the components of the plan
• assisting in evaluating the effectiveness of the plan and providing feedback to the Residential Supervisor or Coordinator
• completing assigned job duties/tasks related to individual skill development

Support each individual’s personal development and integration into the local society by:

• participating in the identification of each individual’s likes/dislikes and needs in the area of personal development
• facilitating and supporting the individual in becoming more aware of the community
• ensuring supervision and safety needs of the individual are met while in their home or in the community
• monitoring individual expenditures while participating in community activities to prevent exploitation
• ensuring, encouraging, supporting and fully participating with the individual in their choice of community and social activities

Participate in the development and implementation of training plans (Individual Training Plan) for each individual by:

• participating in the assessment of the individual’s current skill levels
• participating in the development and delivery of personal development goals
• modelling the desired behaviours and skills
• assisting in monitoring and recommending modification to the plan, as necessary, to the Supervisor or Team Leader, to promote the reaching of personal goals

Participate in the daily completion of observation notes and reports, household chores, routine housekeeping, yard up-keep, snow shovelling, etc. by:

• recording the individuals’ response to behavioural interventions
• documenting required information in a timely and professional manner
• participating, assisting and supervising individuals as required in household cleaning, nutritious food preparation, laundry and other assigned related tasks in a timely and proficient manner
• informing responsible staff when maintenance is required
• encouraging and assisting individuals to be responsible for facility appearance, both inside and outside

Team communication and participation:

• respectful, responsible and professional written communications e.g. communication book
• communication with other staff, Supervisors, Coordinators, and Medical and/or Behavioural Specialists in a timely and effective manner
• regular attendance at all team meetings
• maintaining positive relationships with co-workers
• maintaining and promoting a positive living environment for individuals
• working cooperatively with other team members by assisting in the completion of shift responsibilities
• demonstrating flexibility in job responsibilities when it is in the best interest of the individual and overall functioning of the residence
• fully participating, with a positive attitude, in individual activities by coming prepared to assist in whatever manner required in community, social and other activities
• adhering on a continuous basis to the Code of Ethics and the Oath of Confidentiality
• participating in regular supervision and performance appraisal meetings with assigned supervisor

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

To be effective in the performance of the position described above, an individual would require the following:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the values of citizenship, choice, support, and equality of opportunity, as defined and adhered to by the Parkland Community Living and Support Society
• Detailed knowledge of the material in the Canada and Indigenous Food Guide where applicable
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of services as identified in the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services (CAC) standards
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the use of psychotropic medication as restrictive procedures as identified by ACDS
• Demonstrates knowledge of medication administration
• Working knowledge of behaviour modification as practised by Parkland C.L.A.S.S.
• Working knowledge of crisis prevention and intervention
• General knowledge of the community amenities, social activities and opportunities
• Working knowledge of WHMIS
• (As applicable) Functional knowledge of the safe operation of the Agency wheelchair accessible vehicles (vans)

SKILLS:

• Demonstrates ability to work with individuals of Parkland C.L.A.S.S.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, executing a high degree of honesty and integrity in completion of reports, verbal communication and service to individuals
• Working knowledge and demonstrates skill in individual record keeping
• Good housekeeping and home safety skills
• High degree of skill in developing and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
• Skill in defusing tense and sometimes dangerous situations
• Skill in providing a climate where individuals will be self-motivated, empowered and positively encouraged
• Patience and skill in implementing behavioural intervention programs

EXPERIENCE:

The skills and knowledge listed above will likely have been gained through a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a related field of Human Services.

EDUCATION:

To adequately perform the duties of this position the incumbent will have completed Grade 12. Additional course work and/or post-secondary education with relevance to human service and the goals and objectives of Parkland C.L.A.S.S. is desirable.

Note: Some equivalency of experience and/or education may be accepted.

The Requirements:

• Completion of Grade 12 or General Equivalency Diploma
• 1-year experience in a related field of Human Service (personal experience will be considered)
• Acceptable Police Information Check & Child Intervention Check
• A vehicle and a valid driver’s license (with valid insurance, registration & acceptable driver’s abstract). This is not a requirement for casual employees.

We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.