Direct Support Worker

Calling all Developmental Service Workers, Social Service Workers, and Personal Support Workers!

Position Overview:

Join us in creating a fulfilling work experience that fits your life. We offer exciting part-time positions with the potential to transition to full-time roles as you grow with us.

We are seeking compassionate and dedicated Direct Service Workers to join our team. In this role, you will provide direct support to individuals in their daily activities, helping them achieve their personal goals and improve their quality of life.

Are you looking for a career that has meaning? Come work for us!

Community Living Cambridge (CLC) is a local not-for-profit organization that employs more than 300 staff and supports hundreds of adults with developmental disabilities. CLC has over 25 group homes with supported living, work, volunteering, recreational, and adult development programs.

Mission: we partner with individuals who have developmental disabilities and their community to live fulfilling lives.

Vision: where individuals are supported, through opportunities and choice, to work towards their dreams.

Values and Guiding Principles:

• Inclusive: we put individuals with developmental disabilities first, offering choice and responsive person-centred planning.
• Respectful: we treat every person with dignity, compassion and kindness, as the basis to develop meaningful relationships.
• Innovative: we promote a creative and agile culture that inspires progressive collaborating, flexibility and continuous quality improvement.
• Accountable: we ensure that within our decision and strategies, the sustainability of CLC is preserved with integrity, transparency and effective use of resources.

Here's What You Can Look Forward to:

• A competitive starting rate that increases after you finish probation
• Opportunity for career training and development, professional/personal growth
• Flexible hours pending available shifts (must work minimum two shifts/week; eight-hour shifts)
• Opportunity to work more than 16 hours a week
• Opportunity for cross-training to gain experience
• Opportunity to become full-time with benefits: Paid time off (sick and vacation), RRSP Matching, Extended Health Benefits, Dental, Vision, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Casual dress
• On-site parking
• The chance to have a positive impact working with adults with developmental disabilities
• Developing relationships and helping people achieve their life goals, hopes and dreams
• A supportive and inclusive environment
• Competitive wage and benefits package once become full time

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Uphold CLC’s values and guiding principles to the individuals we support
• Advocate for the rights of citizens with developmental disabilities
• Support individuals in overcoming challenges, and help them work toward personal and vocational goals
• Support individuals in developing social skills and engaging in community activities
• Promote independence and self-advocacy among individuals
• Participate in all activities of daily living (i.e. cleaning, cooking and meal preparation, medication dispensing, personal care, as well as potential lifts and transfers, household tasks).
• Assist in implementation of individualized support plans and behavioural support plans and document progress
• Collaborate in a team with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
• Maintain a safe and supportive environment for all individuals
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities
• Complete all required documentation accurately and timely
• Demonstrate a person-centered philosophy of care
• Demonstrate a commitment to CLC’s Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles

Skills

• Strong mediation, conflict resolution and decision-making skills
• Strong listening, observation, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage crisis situations
• Carry out program requirements and other duties as assigned
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Compassionate and patient demeanor with a commitment to promoting dignity and respect

Qualifications

• A Developmental Services Worker Diploma, Social Services Worker Diploma, Personal Support Worker Diploma, a related field of study, or commensurate years of experience in developmental services or a related field.
• Experience working with individuals who have dual diagnoses, autism, behavioral challenges and mental illness
• Experience working with individuals who require medical, behavioral, and personal care support an asset
• First Aid/CPR-A (will provide)
• Safe Management Guideline Certificate (SMG, will provide)
• Must be eligible to work in Canada
• Must be 18 years of age
• Must hold a valid G2 or G driver’s licence
• Provide a recent Driver’s Abstract
• Provide a recent Vulnerable Sector Check
• Provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination: Community Living Cambridge follows all Public Health and Ministry guidelines for Covid-19. We require all of staff members to be full vaccinated for Covid-19 and provide proof upon hire.

Job Type: Part-Time, Permanent

Schedule:

• 8-hour shifts
• 24/7 organization (day, evening and over night shifts)
• must be available for at least16 hours a week (two shifts)

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cambridge, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In- person

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work may be conducted in various settings, including residential homes, community centers, and outdoor environments. The role often requires flexibility to adapt to different locations based on individual needs.
• Hours: Shifts may vary and can include evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Demands: The role may involve lifting, assisting with mobility, and supporting individuals with physical disabilities. Workers should be prepared for physical tasks and may need to stand for extended periods.
• Emotional Demands: Direct Service Workers often build close relationships with individuals, which can be emotionally rewarding but may also involve dealing with challenging behaviors or situations.
• Team Environment: Collaboration with other staff members, families, and external professionals is essential. Strong communication skills are necessary to effectively coordinate care and support.
• Health and Safety: Adherence to health and safety regulations is crucial. Workers may need to manage potential risks associated with providing care in various environments.
• Training and Support: Ongoing training is provided to ensure staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support individuals effectively.

Community Living Cambridge is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please let us know of any accommodation that may be required to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be kept confidential

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $22.21 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 16 per week

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Night shift
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Do you resonate with CLC's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles?
• Do you have a class G or G2 Ontario Driver's Licence, and can you provide proof?
• Can you provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) before start date?
• Are you willing to participate in a one-week long orientation and training (Safe Management Guideline, CPR/First Aid) provided by CLC?

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Location:

• Cambridge, ON (preferred)

Work Location: In person