Trailblazers Life Choices Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing services to those who are experiencing intellectual challenges, mental illnesses and physical disabilities. You as a part of Trailblazers Life Choices Inc. will be helping individuals we support to find and maintain meaningful employment by working with them on their resumes, preparing them for hiring process, as well work environment, and developing their employability skills. You will be responsible for building network of employers who might be interested in hiring adults we support and maintaining professional, trustworthy relationships with them. As a part of your job, you will also provide Direct Support to people we support.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What our employees do daily will vary depending on the personal goals and interests of the people they are supporting. Things you will do in your role of a Direct Support Worker include, but not limited to:
Build professional relationships with adults we support
Provide assistance with resume building to adults we support
Develop interview and employability skills of people we support
Participate/help employers in onboarding and training of adults we support
Build and expand a network of employers who are likely to hire people we support
Solve problems that might arise between people we support and their employers
Provide support and assistance to adults we support throughout their employment
Provide or participate in training of adults we support
Create and fill in daily logs, progress reports, etc.
Transport adults we support to their job sites as needed by using your vehicle
Provide direct support to individuals we support
QUALIFICATIONS
Mandatory:
Legally entitled to work in Canada
Current (not older than 6 months) and satisfactory Criminal Records Check, Child Abuse Registry Check, and Adult Abuse Registry Check
High School Diploma
CPR & First Aid Certification
Driver's License Class 5 F and a vehicle
Knowledge of Vulnerable Persons Act
Two years of experience providing Direct Support to adults living with disabilities
One year of experience providing help adults to find employment
Preferred:
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certificate
Employment Coach Certificate or a similar one
Knowledge of some mental disabilities and how they impact a person's ability to learn, work, and collaborate with others. Ability to coach adults with disabilities and provide assistance to employers during their attempts to accommodate such an individual.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Job Coach works in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the individuals in program services. The environment may be fast-paced with interruptions, distractions and deadlines. Direct Support Worker needs to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs or activities. Depending on the needs of the individuals, the work can be physically demanding including transferring or supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items up to 45 pounds, walking or standing for extended periods of time or providing support through CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other interventions. Job Coach must have an insured vehicle in good working order to utilize for transportation required for staff and program participants to and from community activities. Job Coach might work outdoors and indoors during different seasons of the year and various weather conditions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Occasionally = up to 1/3 shift
Frequently = up to 2/3 shift
Continuously = throughout shift
Standing: Frequently
Sitting: Frequently
Walking: Frequently
Worker Mobility: Change positions frequently throughout work shift
Carry/Lift: up to 45 pounds
Pushing/Pulling:
Frequently and independently push/pull people served during dressing, transferring or positioning.
Frequently and independently push/pull wheelchairs or lifting equipment and occasionally while performing routine household and/or yard tasks.