Individual Support Employee

Individual Support Employee – Part Time -Employer Directed.

Community Living Sarnia-Lambton (CLSL) is a charitable, not-for-profit, unionized organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people who have an intellectual disability. CLSL currently provides support and services to more than 300 individuals and their families, promoting individual choice, inclusion, independence, and personal achievement.

Position Summary

CLSL is seeking a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Individual Support Employee (ISE) – Employer Directed to provide
direct one-to-one support to a specific individual with significant behavioural support needs, including the potential for verbal and physical escalation.

Due to the specific nature of the individual's support needs, personal care requirements, and identified safety considerations, this position has been designated as female-only. Applicants must also demonstrate the ability to safely and respectfully support an individual who may experience significant behavioural escalations. Candidates must be comfortable using positive behaviour support, de-escalation strategies, and following individualized safety and support plans. This requirement is based on the specific duties and circumstances of this individualized support position and is subject to the Ontario Human Rights Code and applicable accommodation requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individualized one-on-one support based on the individual's goals, interests, and support needs.
• Support participation in community activities, recreational opportunities, appointments, and skill development.
• Assist the individual with daily routines and activities while promoting independence.
• Implement person-centred and positive behaviour support strategies.
• Respond calmly and professionally to verbal and physical escalations.
• Use appropriate de-escalation and crisis prevention techniques.
• Build a positive, respectful, and trusting relationship with the individual.
• Promote social inclusion, community participation, and independence.
• Maintain accurate documentation, progress notes, and communication records.
• Communicate effectively with the individual's family, supervisor, and CLSL team.
• Follow CLSL policies, procedures, health and safety requirements, and confidentiality standards.
  

Schedule

This is a Part-Time Individual Support Employee (ISE) – Employer Directed position.

The position is expected to be approximately 2–3 days per week, usually Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

Typical hours are approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but hours and days may vary based on the individual's needs.

Flexibility may be required to meet the individual's changing support needs.

This position provides one-on-one support for a specific individual and is funded through individualized funding. While CLSL anticipates that the support will be ongoing, the position will continue only while funding remains available. If funding for the individual ceases, the position will also end.

Qualifications

• Education in Developmental Services, Human Services, PSW, Social Services, or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and/or behavioural support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals who may experience verbal or physical escalations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong motivational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional during challenging situations.
• Experience with positive behaviour supports, crisis prevention, and de-escalation techniques is an asset.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and the support team.
  

Experience

• Experience working one-on-one with individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioural support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals who have difficulty communicating or expressing themselves appropriately.
• Experience responding to verbal or physical escalations.
• Experience using positive behaviour support and de-escalation strategies.
• Experience working independently and as part of a team.
  

Requirements

• Valid Ontario G or G2 Driver's Licence.
• Reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.
• Ability to transport the individual when required.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Safe Management Certification.
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
  

What We Offer

• Meaningful work that makes a direct impact in the community.
• Opportunity to support individuals in achieving their personal goals and independence.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment.

Community Living Sarnia-Lambton is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, dignity, and inclusion in the workplace. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process upon request.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected will be contacted. 

Community Living Sarnia-Lambton values fairness, inclusion, and a personal approach to candidate selection. Artificial intelligence tools may be utilized during the recruitment process to assist with administrative efficiency and workflow management. However, all application reviews and hiring decisions are conducted directly by our Human Resources Team.

Individualized Funding Support Services

Individual Support Employees (ISEs) Employer Directed provide support services to individuals who, either independently or through their families, have requested Community Living Sarnia-Lambton to provide support through individualized funding arrangements. This may include, but is not limited to, supports funded through Passport funding, Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD), and other individualized funding programs.

Individual Support Employees may be scheduled to provide support on an "as-needed" or short-term basis for one or more hours at a time, depending on the needs of the individual and the availability of funding. Assignments may occur over varying periods of time as determined by Community Living Sarnia-Lambton.

Work schedules are established by the Employer, with consideration given to the needs and preferences of the individual support and their family whenever possible.

This position does not guarantee a minimum number of hours. Hours of work are dependent upon the support requirements of the individual, funding availability, and operational needs.

Employees working in an Individual Support Employer Directed role will continue to be classified as Individual Support Employees regardless of the number of hours worked.