Supported Independent Living (SIL) Direct Support Person
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR)
Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone?
So do we!
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) was founded on the values of working with people with disabilities to grow their social relationships and be seen and valued as full contributing citizens in our community. By offering supports and services tailored to your dreams and goals, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region puts you first.
If this sounds exciting to you, come join our dynamic team to help bring these values to life in our community.
Role:
SIL Direct Support People (DSPs) are often seen as a connector and guide helping people with developmental disabilities experience, explore and participate in the community. For the SIL DSP, this is no different. As a key daily support person, your ongoing work is to help build and foster social relationships, creatively seeking new opportunities and maintain stable and reliable daily support. Your support will provide ongoing stability and wellness for adults supported in the SIL Program, and to the health of the program. The SIL DSP has the privilege and opportunity to utilize a creative and person-directed approach when planning and providing support.
All applications submitted will be accepted and considered for the role based on the needs of the person supported. The person supported has expressed that she would be most comfortable with female-identifying individuals assisting her. The individual supported needs daily support with meal-prep and/or ensuring she has had dinner, meal-time insulin, and nighttime insulin. The SIL DSP will need to be comfortable with overseeing insulin intake, monitoring blood sugar readings, and responding to high or low blood sugar. Training will be provided. The individual self-administers her insulin but needs prompting and support ensuring she administers the correct dose and properly.
Qualifications:
- Secondary school diploma OR some secondary school with related experience
- Candidates must be comfortable with overseeing insulin administration by the person supported and assisting if needed
- Direct experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities and their families or other networks
- Experience supporting people using a variety of motivational approaches and creative problem-solving skills
- Experience supporting people with mental health related challenges is an asset
- Experience supporting people with technology to support independence (e.g. using smart phones, smart watches, email, smart home speakers, etc.) is an asset
- Ability to work in Kitchener
- G2 license and access to a reliable vehicle (owned or Car Share) preferred
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Display Evolving level competency which is defined as “intentional growth of oneself and valuing other perspectives. They exhibit the competency consistently in more than one context and promote positive opportunities for change beyond themselves.” Competencies required in this role:
- Advocacy
- Building Relationships
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Facilitating Growth and Development
- Valuing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The requirements listed are guidelines. Candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to be considered. Best serving our community requires greater diversity of background and personal experiences. Applicants with lived experiences with mental health, disability, or who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ are encouraged to apply, and to seek accommodations as required to support their candidacy.
Hours and Pay:
- The person supported needs 3 hours of support each evening, 7 days per week. We are looking for 2 SIL DSPs who can work between 7:00 – 10:00 PM per evening 3-4 days per week – There is some flexibility in the number of days and which days of the week that can be offered
- Starting Rate: $22.41/hr
Responsibilities and Functions:
Reporting to the FamilyHome (FH)/SIL Coordinator, the SIL DSP will:
Provide Support to the Person Supported:
- Oversee the insulin administration by the person supported and assist if/when needed
- Help the person supported adhere to a consistent evening mealtime and bedtime routine
- Assist the person being supported in achieving goals outlined in their Personal Support Plan
- Establish and maintain a respectful relationship with the person being supported
- Engage in open and honest communication with the person being supported, and Support Coordinator, FamilyHome Team
- Be aware of and adhere to EAFWR’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and maintain a safe work environment for yourself and the person being supported
- Maintain awareness of and adherence to EAFWR procedures dealing with serious and/or unusual incidents
Planning and Scheduling:
- Plan and organize a daily schedule and activities with people supported
- Attend regular check-in meetings with the FH/SIL Coordinator and the Person Supported
Provide Support to EAFWR Administration by:
- Maintain awareness of and adherence to relevant guidelines, policies and procedures
- Promote the growth of an organizational culture that is both inclusive and anti-oppressive
- Participate in training and staff development as requested/required
Extend-A-Family is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity of access to employment.
To apply for this position, please follow the application process on ADP Workforce Now. A resume is required, but we also recommend including a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, which can be uploaded as an attachment.
