Specialized Outreach Worker, Part-time

**The Program**

Taproot Community Support Services Community Inclusion Services offer a safe and nurturing environment for the persons served. We focus on supporting the individual to achieve their goals and to maintain/gain as much independence as possible.

We always listen to the person served's wants and needs staffing to SMART goals, written in an Individualized Support Plan (ISP). SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bound. Areas of Support are based on Quality of Life Indicators represented by eight domains:

- emotional well-being - contentment, self-concept, lack of stress
- interpersonal relations - interactions, relationships, supports
- material well-being - financial status, employment, housing
- personal development - education, personal competence, performance
- physical well-being - health and health care, activities of daily living, leisure
- self-determination - autonomy / personal control, personal goals, choices
- social inclusion - community integration and participation, roles, supports
- rights - legal, human (respect, dignity, equality)

Our commitment is to provide the people we serve with programs that maximize progress and independence, support unique strengths and qualities, and encourage integration into the community. We work to improve quality of life served by enabling those in our care to be as self directed as possible and encourage them to make their own decisions as to what they want for their lives.

**In Your Role You Will**
- Initiate contact with referred individuals. Assist manager with intake interviews and assess suitability for services. Assess support needs and formulate service plans with individuals.
- Make referrals to other programs, agencies and/or community resources as appropriate.
- Assist individuals to plan goals and provides support in accessing community, skill development, employment skills, guidance and emotional support. Monitor their well being and provide feedback and support to families of clients and other stakeholders in their lives.
- Recognize and analyze potential emergency situations and develop strategies to deal with them. Utilize their knowledge of persons with developmental disabilities, FAS/FAE and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder, develop service plans and front line instruction around crisis management, problem solving and community based instruction.
- Help individuals access resources in the community and provide referrals to services. Assist individuals to obtain temporary or permanent housing either directly or by coordinating with other agencies. Provide information that helps individuals make better-informed choices.
- Advocate for the individuals and assist them in self-advocacy.
- Review individuals’ progress and make reports regarding their daily activities and progress.
- Liaise with other agencies, professionals, ministry staff and the community.
- Develop Personalized Service Plans that are person centered and comprehensive in line with Dr. Shalock’s Quality of Life Indicators.
- Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

**The Position**

The Specialized Outreach Worker identifies and provides specialized supports and interventions for persons with developmental disabilities, FAS/FAE and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder in an accredited agency. They offer a support and instruction focus on community inclusion skill development, social network and employment skills.

Previous working knowledge / experience of touch chat software would be an asset, as this individual is non-verbal.

Scheduling
One (1) Permanent Part-Time position of 11 hours per week, divided between the following:

- 8 hours per week based in Richmond, BC area
- 3 hours per week based in Surrey, BC area
- Position will require some scheduling flexibility, to accommodate the needs of the person served.
- Scheduled hours will be during day and afternoon times.

**Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks**

**Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.**
- A degree, diploma or certificate in one of the humanities, social work or related field. Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Minimum of one year experience working with persons with a developmental disability, and sexualized behaviour
- Working knowledge of drug addiction
- Valid CPR/First Aid certificate (or ability to obtain prior to employment)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate or equivalent (i.e. MANDT) certification (or ability to obtain during probationary period)
- Clear physician’s note confirming suitability, including a negative tuberculosis screening test
- Must have consistent / reliable access to a computer/working printer/scanner/copier
- Cellular phone with data plan (compensation provided for business use of p