Job Description

Summary: The Brain Injury Association serving the four counties of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton and Northumberland is a unique supportive organization structured as an Association including individuals with the lived experiences of acquired brain injuries, their care partners and both paid and unpaid staff and a Board of Directors. We work from a philosophy that each individual is unique and worthy of respect and opportunities to nurture and continually develop their strengths and pursue their aspirations. The Community Support Worker position has been developed with the intent to ensure that individuals with the lived experience of both non-traumatic and traumatic acquired brain injuries are assisted to reach goals and activities that they hold to be meaningful and life-enhancing.

Role/Purpose:

The Community Support Worker (CSW) partners with individuals to promote their health, safety, independence, and overall well-being. Support is provided in a respectful and collaborative way that honors each person's dignity, strengths, lived experiences, and choices. The CSW works alongside the individual--rather than for them--helping to create opportunities for self-determination, connection, and meaningful daily activities. Support is rooted in principles of trauma-informed care, emphasizing safety, trust, empowerment, and choice. Through this approach, the CSW helps individuals build upon their own skills and abilities--whether cognitive, physical, social, or emotional--in ways that feel functional, relevant, and aligned with their personal goals. The aim is to foster confidence, resilience, and quality of life, while ensuring that individuals remain at the center of all decisions affecting their care and daily living.

Responsibilities

The Community Support Worker will:

Accurately documents client interactions, observations, and interventions in accordance with agency protocols and privacy requirements.

Actively participate in supervision and team meetings as required to ensure coordinated care and effective collaboration.

Adhere to all agency policies, procedures, documentation requirements, and guidelines outlined in the team handbook.

Always respect and uphold the client's rights: autonomy, privacy, dignity, cultural and religious beliefs, and the right to live free from discrimination or abuse.

Collaborate with the team to ensure coordinated care and consistent messaging to the client.

Consistently reports to scheduled shifts on time and communicates promptly with the supervisor regarding any changes to availability or shift coverage needs.

Engages in regular, timely communication with team members and external service providers to support coordinated care.

Ensure successes, concerns, and potential crises are shared with the Case Manager/Supervisor.

Maintains professional boundaries and calm, solution-focused communication in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

Participates in required training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge.

Respond to challenging or escalated situations using non-judgmental, client-centered de-escalation techniques.

Submit timecards, time-off requests, and other required administrative forms accurately and on time, following agency procedures.

Support the development and maintenance of case management care planning including crisis support plans in collaboration with the team and other service providers.

Use a harm reduction, trauma-informed, person-centered, and anti-oppressive approach in all interactions and support strategies.

Works collaboratively with the care team to implement and adjust the client's case management care plan.

Job Duties

The job duties include the following:

Assist the client with activities of daily living as needed -- e.g., cooking, light housekeeping, shopping, banking, laundry, home maintenance, etc.

Assist the client, as required in navigating community resources. (e.g., housing, healthcare, employment, education).

Assist the client in navigating public transportation and accessing essential resources as needed.

Celebrate and support the client's achievements -- big or small -- to foster confidence and growth.

Ensures case management documentation is clear, concise, and submitted in a timely manner.

Provide consistent prompts, reminders, written cues, and structured support to assist the client with daily routines, personal care, medication adherence, behavioral expectations, and goal-directed activities.

Provide holistic support to the client addressing emotional, social, and practical needs to promote overall well-being.

Provide individualized, client-centered support based on the client's needs, goals, and case management care plan.

Provides in-person support by accompanying clients to medical appointments, community services, and social or recreational activities, ensuring safety, advocacy, and encouragement throughout.

Reports directly to the Case Manager/Supervisor and maintains regular communication regarding client progress, concerns, and emerging needs.

Support the development and maintenance of crisis support plans in collaboration with the team and other service providers.

Support the client in managing emotional and behavioural regulation and responding to crises by following established crisis prevention and intervention protocols.

Use good judgment and communicate promptly with the Case Manager/Supervisor when issues arise outside your normal scope.

Other duties as assigned to support the client's well-being and plan.

Core Competencies

These are the skills, attributes, and knowledge areas that are essential for effective performance in the role.

Ability to provide support in a non-judgmental, respectful manner that affirms dignity and fosters trust.

Applies strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop effective, client-centered solutions.

Committed to preserving client dignity, autonomy, and safety, especially during moments of crisis or behavioral distress.

Communicates clearly, respectfully, and effectively with clients, colleagues, and external partners.

Demonstrated ability to apply harm reduction, trauma-informed, and person-centered principles in daily support work.

Demonstrates active listening, empathy, and professionalism in both verbal and written communication, adapting approach to suit diverse audiences and situations.

Demonstrates genuine empathy and compassion in all client interactions, recognizing the impact of trauma, marginalization, and systemic barriers.

Exhibits strong attention to detail by thoroughly completing tasks, identifying inconsistencies, and ensuring accuracy in documentation, communication, and client care.

Responds to challenges with sound judgment, creativity, and a commitment to ethical decision-making.

Skilled in de-escalation and crisis response, with the ability to remain calm, supportive, and directive in high-stress situations.

Strong understanding of emotional, behavioral, and environmental factors that contribute to client escalation and how to respond effectively.

Takes responsibility for actions, decisions, and outcomes, and follows through on commitments in a reliable and consistent manner.

Understanding of and ability to follow health and safety policies and procedures including infection control.

Maintains professional integrity and contributes to a culture of transparency, trust, and accountability within the team.

Qualifications

2 - 5 years of experience in the Social Services/Health Sector, providing services for individuals with Brain Injury is an asset A minimum of a College Diploma in a relevant field of study Able to communicate (written and oral) in English AODA Certificate is an asset Community-based experience working with individuals with a Brain Injury, physical disabilities, or special needs Concrete knowledge of the effects of an ABI is an asset; training will be provided CPI or NCVI preferred Certificate First Aid/CPR Certificate or willingness to certify General understanding of computer hardware and software Highly organized and excellent time management skills Knowledge of behaviour management principles Possess a valid Ontario Driver's License, automobile in good repair and insurance as required by agency policy and a clear drivers abstract Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills Recent clear Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening Violence and Harassment in the Workplace Certificate WHMIS Certificate or willingness to certify
Working Conditions:
We foster a collaborative and creative workplace where the voices of both clients and staff are valued. Input and ideas are encouraged to ensure continual growth and quality improvement. In addition, we are deeply committed to supporting the personal and professional development of every team member, creating an environment where staff feel empowered, respected, and equipped to thrive.

Community Support Workers provide support in a variety of settings, including community environments, office spaces, and individuals' homes. The role requires adaptability and the ability to navigate dynamic and sometimes unpredictable situations with flexibility, strong time-management, and effective prioritization skills.

In the course of this work, employees may encounter potential hazards such as exposure to infectious illnesses, challenging behaviors or violence, harsh weather conditions, environmental issues (e.g., bed bugs, mold), bodily fluids, slips, trips, and falls, and periods of working alone. Training, supervision, and organizational policies are in place to minimize risks, promote safety, and ensure that staff feel supported in managing these situations.

Please send Cover Letter and Resume to Brittany Cameron at bcameron@biapr.ca.

Job Types: Part-time, Casual

Pay: $22.00-$23.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 - 15 per week

Work Location: In person