Job Description

DIRECT SUPPORT WORKER (ADULT / CHILD) - JOB DESCRIPTION

Overview:

Our organization provides specialized residential care for adults and/or children within the developmental services sector. We provide behavioral supervision and support mostly for people who are dual diagnosed (e.g., development need and a mental health issue). A typical residence or 'program' includes between two to four clients who are supported by direct support workers. (We also support clients who are living independently or in family homes.) Staff to client ratios vary based on client needs; most of our clients receive supervision and support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. As such, most of our programs are considered continuous operations.

The Direct Support Worker (DSW) is accountable for efficient and effective day-to-day developmental support and personal care for residents. The position reports to the Program Supervisor.

The Direct Support Worker's mandate is to help residents achieve their development goals with dignity. Within that mandate, the Director is accountable for creating the conditions that result in (a) quality care and professional delivery of development support services and (b) a work environment that prioritizes health and safety, accountability, and personal development.

The Direct Support Worker interacts primarily with residents, other DSWs, Shift Leader and the Program Supervisor.

The Direct Support Worker must maintain a thorough understanding and knowledge of the organization's operating policies and practices and desired culture, including a focus on inclusion, equity, and diversity.

Qualifications:

This role requires a post-secondary degree in the social services field (e.g., Social Service Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker) and a minimum of five years experience in the social services field, particularly in residential treatment for developmental adults and/or children with complex developmental needs, autism spectrum disorder, Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, mental illness, and dual diagnosis. Experience and sound knowledge of MCCSS guidelines and Quality Assurance Management (QAM) requirements for the licensing of residential programs is an asset.

Other qualifications:

Must possess a valid G-class driver's license and insurance. Must possess all other government regulated certifications - e.g., Occupational Health & Safety and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities. Must complete and maintain certification in Safe Management Group Crisis Intervention (SMG) or Understanding Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB), as applicable. Current CPR level C / First Aid Certification. Acceptable results from Criminal Background Check, Broad Sector Check and / or Vulnerable Sector Screening as applicable. Proven experience delivering on the responsibilities outlined below.

Value Drivers:

The following outcomes reflect on the performance of the Direct Support Worker:

The extent to which each program achieves positive QAM and licensing reviews from MCCSS. The extent to which organizational risks are proactively identified and addressed. The extent to which residents achieve their developmental goals.

Responsibilities:

(A) Ensure quality care and professional delivery of development support services.

Service Quality

Ensure that Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), QAM and MCCSS requirements, organizational policies, SMG or UMAB training, and Behavioural and Crisis Protocols are well understood and performed consistently in an appropriate manner. Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), providing hands-on care and supporting daily living activities, including personal hygiene, nutrition planning and preparation, as well as medicine administration; provide direct and indirect support to individuals as required by personal support plans. Perform protocols, interactions, learning techniques, financial responsibility and basic care in an appropriate manner. Promote community inclusion, independence and self-determinism for the individuals supported; support clients to identify, work towards and achieve their goals/personal outcomes. Encourage and support clients in the areas of social skills, communications, vocation, education, training, school and/or leisure activities to enhance their experience and quality of life. Encourage self-expression of individuals supported and remain knowledgeable of verbal and nonverbal communications, including alternative communication systems and techniques. Use creativity and resourcefulness to ensure quality of life principals are effectively applied for clients; provide safe and effective solutions to barriers impacting quality of life, in accordance with the BSP. Apply behaviour techniques and interventions; utilize problem-solving skills to work collaboratively within a team and with families. Participate in case conferences, progress reports, BSP and ISP (Individualized Support Plan) meetings as required. Actively contribute to ensuring that residences (inside and outside) are clean, tidy, properly maintained, safe, and healthy; address issues requiring maintenance or service in conjunction with the Program Supervisor so that the home is a source of pride for clients, staff, and our community. Transport clients as required in accordance with Ministry of Transportation, organizational policies and as directed by the Program Manager or Program Supervisor. Quickly identify, isolate, and effectively manage issues and mitigate risks, informing the Program Supervisor as appropriate. Actively participate in all training, staff meetings, and other meetings as required.

Administration & Compliance

Consistently follow QAM, Behavioural and Crisis Protocols. Report on clients' progress with the BSP. Provide careful and accurate observation of clients, completing written assessments and reports throughout shifts. Prepare accurate and timely ISP / Report submissions as required. Prepare incident reports (IRs) as well as Level 1 and Level 2 Serious Occurrence Reports (SORs) that are accurate, complete, timely, written professionally, and delivered to the appropriate stakeholders. Prepare documentation, daily reports, logbooks and data sheets, time sheets, payroll records, attendance, and absenteeism records that are accurate, complete, timely, and shared appropriately. Document and report on complaints, concerns, or potential areas of risk that may impact clients, staff, community, or the organization in a manner that is accurate, complete, timely, written professionally, and delivered to the appropriate stakeholders. Contribute to annual documentation of Assessment for Specific Risk and Community Care Violence Assessments as part of Health & Safety compliance requirements, as required.

(B) Create the conditions for a work environment that prioritizes health and safety, accountability, and personal development for direct support workers and management.

Work Environment

Actively foster, role model, and hold others accountable to a culture of respect, professionalism, dignity, compassion, health and safety, and accountability. Adhere to scheduling requirements. Submit timecards and expenses weekly or bi-weekly as appropriate. Support the Program Supervisor in managing the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for each resident, where applicable, and ensure that appropriate records on the use and distribution of funds are maintained. Represent the organization's brand in a way that resonates with those stakeholders so that we are known as a 'preferred provider' of care and developmental support services. Establish pro-active, good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with staff, the senior management team, residents, resident families, and other stakeholders to help achieve the goals of the Company.

Compliance

Adhere to human resources policies, procedures, and practices as well as compliance with all appropriate legislation and regulations, including Ministry regulated Health & Safety standards. Maintain accurate, timely and relevant HR data (e.g., personal profile), including ensuring that employee certifications are up to date.

(C) All other responsibilities required to deliver on the mandate to help residents achieve their development goals with dignity.

Other responsibilities as required.

Required Capabilities (demonstrated on a sustained basis):

Ability to embrace the organization's vision, mission, and core values. Ability to work collaboratively, respectfully, and professionally within an interdisciplinary team as well as the ability to work independently with clients. Ability to self-motivate, self-direct, act proactively, and convey a positive attitude. Ability to organize, plan, prepare, and co-ordinate the smooth functioning of daily routines with clients. Ability to remain alert and make acute observations in a residential treatment setting. Strong English oral and written communication skills. Ability to use discretion in a fast paced, residential treatment setting. Sound crisis management skills. Basic computer skills. Ability to understand and practice current Quality Assurance Management (QAM) requirements.

Work Conditions:

Work shifts may include some evenings, weekends and Holidays. Physical and emotional fitness sufficient to:
o Kneel, squat, bend and twist regularly.
o Lift and/or move up to 50lbs regularly.
o Perform tasks involving firm grasping regularly.
o Perform full range of motion with respect to arm and leg movements and body mobility regularly.
o Be physically capable of engaging and carrying out physical intervention or containment regularly.
o Calmly and efficiently manage situations involving aggressive client behaviour (oral and/or physical), sometimes multiple times a day.

If you're passionate about joining a company that makes a real difference in the lives of individuals, we want to hear from you! Families 1st is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. To ensure continued compliance throughout the recruitment and selection process, we encourage candidates to disclose any accommodation needs they may have. The Company does not use AI in its recruitment and selection process. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: $27.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Life insurance Paid time off Vision care
Education:

DCS / DEC (preferred)
Experience:

Working with persons with developmental disabilities: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Class G Licence (required) Crisis Intervention Training (preferred) First Aid/ CPR Certification (required)
Work Location: In person