Residential Counsellor

Working within the philosophy of TAMIR, the Residential Counsellor is responsible for assisting participants to achieve their personal goals, maintain their best possible health and well-being, and develop skills and a sense of self worth through an individualized support plan created to meet the participant’s unique interests and needs.

Under the general supervision of the Program Supervisor, Tamir Residential Counsellors have responsibility for the day to day care of individuals, supported by Tamir, whether in their homes or in the community. All work is conducted in a manner consistent with Tamir’s vision, mission and values statements, following the principles of the Quality Enhancement (QE) initiative at Tamir. These principles include demonstrating the utmost respect for our participants, ensuring their safety, well-being and daily care, providing meaningful choices and activities and assisting participants to achieve their personal goals, as defined through our individualized, personal outcome planning process.

**PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**:
**Participant Support and Advocacy**
- Develop a respectful, positive and consistent relationship with participants
- Learn the personal history, strengths and needs of the participants, as well as their preferences, and assist in the development and implementation of Personal Outcome Plans (POP’s) in partnership with the participants, Primary Counsellors, families and others of importance
- Keep parents, staff and supervisors informed of participant progress, and issues, on an ongoing basis
- Advocate with community groups, employers and others in the community to promote the participation of people with developmental disabilities
- Become familiar with and facilitate participation in Jewish cultural and religious practices and support individuals who are not Jewish to participate in cultural and religious activities of their choice
- Provide assistance with personal care including nutrition, hygiene, and grooming; maintain clothing, personal possessions, etc. as required
- Assist participants in managing personal finances, as required
- Dispense medications and other treatments, as required, and according to Tamir procedures
- Promote and maintain the mental and physical health and well being of participants while ensuring a safe and healthy home/program environment
- Assist participants to become involved in recreational/educational/employment or other interests as identified in their POP
- Facilitate the development of active and involved support networks for participants
- Identify, and in conjunction with the Primary Counsellor and/or Supervisor, advocate for change in supports which may impede the realization of participant goals
- Support individuals to exercise choice and assume responsibility in making decisions in their lives, at the same time balancing the need for safety and security 2.

**Administration**

Be familiar with and adhere to Tamir policies and procedures, as well as Ministry of Community and Social Services operational guidelines and relevant legislation

Operate under the guidelines of Tamir health and safety policies and procedures and follow safe practices

Maintain appropriate documentation for all areas of responsibility, according to established Tamir policies and procedures, for example the daily log, accident/incident reports, petty cash and serious occurrence forms

Report all unsafe conditions, damages and hazards to the Program Supervisor

Maintain complete information for each participant and ensure confidentiality

Maintain all mandatory training requirements as per schedule; keep security and medical checks current

Perform administrative tasks as assigned by the Program Supervisor

Assist with orientation and training of program staff and volunteers

**Professional Conduct**
- Promote and demonstrate respect and value for the Jewish culture and religion and the vision and mission statements of the agency within the workplace and in the community
- Demonstrate positive, respectful and professional relationships within the team including staff, families, volunteers and the community
- Attend and actively participate in team meetings, eliciting and representing the needs of the participants supported within the program
- Contribute to a positive work environment, by utilizing effective communication skills, conducting job functions with initiative, enthusiasm and sound judgement, and contributing to the team in an organized and productive manner
- Pursue professional development opportunities, as recommended by your supervisor
- Attend internal training, as required, as well as keep security and medical checks current
- Be punctual and dependable in the completion of assigned duties Other Responsibilities

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not an inclusive listing of all activities, but is designed to be used in combination with program responsibilities and