Job Description

Direct Support Person

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR)

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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:

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Support People (DSPs) are a connector and guide helping people with developmental disabilities experience, explore and participate in the community. 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. The DSP has the privilege and opportunity to utilize a creative and person-directed approach when planning and providing support.

Qualifications:

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Secondary school diploma OR some secondary school with related experience Direct experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities who require strong supervision, along with their families and networks Demonstrated experience in mental health, especially anxiety-based diagnoses and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Ability to provide a structured day-to-day routine and ability to demonstrate firm boundaries and direction Experience supporting people using a variety of motivational approaches and creative problem-solving skills Experience supporting people with technology to support independence (e.g. using smart phones, smart watches, email, smart home speakers, etc.) is an asset G2 license and access to a reliable vehicle (owned or Car Share) preferred

CORE COMPETENCIES:

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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:

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The person supported needs 40 hours of support per week, from 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM Starting Range: $23.69 - $24.95 per hour

Responsibilities and Functions:

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Reporting to the Support Coordinator, the DSP will:

Provide Support to the Person Supported:

Accompany the person supported during medical appointments, banking, and daily tasks, such as doing laundry and cleaning his room Maintain strong supervision and demonstrate firm boundaries and direction to the person supported when required Join the person supported on walks/during workouts Establish and maintain a respectful relationship with the person being supported Assist the person being supported in achieving goals outlined in their Personal Support Plan Engage in open and honest communication with the person being supported, and Support Coordinator, and the rest of your 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:

Help the person supported adhere to a structured day-to-day routine Plan and organize a daily schedule and activities with people supported Attend regular check-in meetings with the Support 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 by

October 24, 2025

. 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.