Disability Support Worker

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Disability Support Worker provides person-centered support to individuals participating in the START Program. Working within residential and community settings, the role promotes independence, choice, inclusion, and quality of life by assisting with daily living activities, community participation, skill development, and personal goals identified in individualized support plans.

START Program (Support Today Achieves Results Tomorrow)

“To provide supports and opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities that will empower them to live life to their fullest potential.”

Accountabilities:

Individuals

• Responsible to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and are encouraged to make their own choices.
• Provide personal care support, such as bathing, catheter care, incontinence care, oral care, groom etc. when required.
• Provide day/evening program supports to individuals as per approved shift in the community.
• Ensure that prescribed medication is properly dispensed and documented as required.
• Ensure a safe and healthy environment for individuals.
• Be able to perform lifts and transfer assistance as required and have knowledge of how to operate the mechanical equipment used in transfers.
• Follow policies as outlined by The Salvation Army START Program and The Salvation Army
• Ensure procedures in Behavioural Support Plans are followed through where applicable.
• Demonstrate knowledge and success in training related to behaviour plans where applicable.
• Assist individuals with household chores, meal preparation/ grocery shopping as required.
• Review the list of tasks in the group home that needs to be completed daily.  Full list of duties is included in each home.
• Provide transportation to and from appointments and events as required, as per transportation agreement.
• Attend events and programming with individuals as they request. Participate/engage Individuals in activities of interest.
• To participate in Group Home or Individual fire drills/ emergency preparedness training
• Ensure CET Standards and Policy and Procedures are followed.
• Staff are required to assist individuals with their budgets & money-saving goals.
• Must be flexible & adapt to changing schedules short notice
• May be required to manage environmental challenges i.e., snow/rain/ice/smoke and fire while transporting individuals in wheelchairs or with limited mobility.
• Staff may experience some form of verbal or physical aggression while carrying out job functions. If so, please contact the Program Specialist and START Program Director if you are unable to contact Program Specialist. After hours contact on call & complete Behaviour Incident Report.
• Responsible for being a positive role model to individuals & the community. Assist individuals to find meaningful activities & community inclusion.

• Assist, support and encourage individuals to achieve their personal goals through the development of basic living and related skills (e.g., personal hygiene/grooming, behavior, household tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping if part of their Individual Service Agreement, banking, appropriate dress, care, and maintenance of personal care equipment, etc.) with a view to enhancing the individual’s confidence, competence, and participation within their social network (community, social, recreational, etc.) This includes both supporting the individual’s life skill development and modeling the desired actions and behavior.
• Assist, support and encourage individuals to advocate on their behalf, when appropriate assist and support the individual’s desires, aspirations and life choices through interaction and advocacy within the individual’s social network.
• Be aware of the individual’s physical, social, and recreational environments, and take action to maximize participation/inclusion; and referral to more experienced resources when appropriate.
• Assist, support and encourage individuals to exercise their rights and responsibilities to make life choices and participate actively in meaningful, respectful, and authentic relationships that align with and support their goals and aspirations.
• Being a liaison for Individuals seeking employment as outlined in their Individual Support Plan
• Creating a therapeutic rapport with Individuals that respects professional boundaries.
• Swimming is a requirement for all employees.
• Other duties as required by your supervisor/management.
• Requirement of all employees to be able to lift from floor, mid waist and above head (only if needed) in their day-to-day duties.
• Requirement for all employees to be able to push and pull wheelchairs depending on the surface they are going over.
• Must be able to support individuals that may have any type of animals in their home and their work environment.
• In the event of an emergency, you will be required to support START Program individuals in other communities. This may be by being there in person or working remotely from your location. This direction will be given directly by your supervisor.

Communication

• Follow through with relevant goals and documentation.
• Complete Behavioral incident reports within 24 hours and forward to Program Specialist
• Complete Critical Incident reports- forward to appropriate Coordinator, Team Lead and START Program Director.
• Community programs to be sent to Community Coordinator, Team Lead and START Program Director.
• Ability to document quarterly reports as required in a clear and concise manner. Submit to Team Lead by Deadline given.
• Ability to document all relevant information based on the daily activities in a clear and concise manner in communication and logbooks.
• Attend mandatory staff meetings and training as required.
• Ability to communicate with Guardians through employees Salvation Army email or Salvation Army land lines when required.
• Attend mandatory staff training as required.
• Participate/provide input into yearly ISPs with Guardians and PDD.
• Notify immediately supervisor of emergency situations during regular hours or contact ‘on call’ phone after hours.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Possess good written and oral communication skills.
• Ensure all timesheets are implemented into the HRIS (Workday) & paper copy given to your supervisor. Mileage claims are to be submitted no later than the 5th of each month to your supervisor.
• Ensure all Salvation Army emails are read and replied to if it is required.
• All employees are to read and respond by their Salvation Army emails

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Governance Boards and Councils:

Internal:

• Staff, Team Lead, Coordinators, Management, Individuals

External:

• Community Partners and relationships

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Team Lead or designate.
• Direct reports: No direct report

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Material:
• Financial:

Working Conditions:

• Working environment is typically in the group homes or in the Community, within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Relevant certificate/diploma in Human Services &/or 3 years’ experience working with Adult Individuals living with developmental disabilities.
• First Aid/CPR Certification is considered an asset.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience providing care and support adult Individuals living with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, or related human services experience.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Experience with the usage of Assistive Equipment and Environmental Interventions
• Computer knowledge and report writing
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Must possess valid driver’s license, abstract & Vehicle insurance with 2million liability.
• Must have own vehicle.

Background Check Requirements

Successful candidates must provide and maintain satisfactory:

• Criminal Record Check (CRC)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
• Child Intervention Record Check (if applicable)
• Verification of education, certifications, and employment history

This is a temporary fixed term for 3 months with the possibility of extension.

Weekly scheduled hours: 40H

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.