Developmental Support Worker

Banyan is a not-for-profit organization that has provided quality services to the youth justice, children, and senior's community support sectors since 1978. Banyan is committed to improving the mental, physical, and social well-being of at-risk populations in our service areas of Hamilton, Niagara, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, and Wellington.

**Purpose of Position**

Reporting to the Manager, Community Services and in accordance with Banyan Policy, Practice & Procedure Manual, the primary purpose of this position is to provide/facilitate prevention, intervention, and support service for clients (or potential clients) referred by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Through the Adult Protective Service Worker Program (APSW) and Adult Family Worker (AFW), adults with developmental disabilities are supported to live in the community to be independent, safe and secure.

**Position Responsibilities**

**Role Competencies**
- Ensure documentation and supports given meet Quality Assurance Measures.
- Works with individuals to develop a trusting, respectful relationship in order to understand their strengths, areas for development, and goals; encourages active participation and self-determination by the individual as it relates to setting and working towards his/her goals.
- Assists individuals and strengthens their capacity to acquire the skills necessary to manage daily living including but not limited to personal budgeting, use of public transportation, medical and dental care, health and nutrition, housing, parenting, employment, sexual health, safety and relationships, and harm reduction.
- Assists in client-centered planning and advocacy, assessing individuals’ strengths and needs, determining natural existing supports as well as availability and appropriateness of community and professional supports.
- Coordinates access to community resources, acting as liaison with other service providers to determine and address service issues and gaps; provides links to services including but not limited to: Medical/Dental Care, Parenting Support, Assessing Community Services and Social/Recreational
- Provides individuals with information on their rights and ensures—within the scope of the mandate—that the rights of the individual who has a developmental disability are acknowledged and respected.
- Ensures the physical and emotional well-being of individuals are supported, maintained and ensures supports and services are provided utilizing a person-centered approach.
- Creation and implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISP), Behavior Support Plans (BSP), protocols and professional recommendations.
- Ensures Individual Support Plans (ISP)and ISP Reviews are accurately documented for clients and the ISPs and Review adhere to MCCSS guidelines.
- Responsible and accountable for ensuring a safe and healthy workplace for themselves and colleagues by committing to working in a safe manner, utilizing all necessary safety equipment and protocols and at all times complying with all relevant Health and Safety policies, procedures and legislations.
- All incidents, accident and other hazardous occurrences affecting any of Banyan’s staff, clients, or the organization are to be reported according to Banyan policy.
- Any other duties as required by management.
- Maintain clear, concise documentation including ongoing case notes, assessments, and other reports or file notes assigned.
- Assist in data collection of pre and post testing, and any other research driven data collection as directed.
- Participate and/or provide ongoing training.

**Role Competencies**
- Classification Specific_
- Problem-Solving Skills: develop strategies using a system thinking approach. Identify and analyze problems so that viable solutions are found.
- Managing Multiple Priorities: ability to remain calm and multi-task within a multi-disciplinary environment.
- Team Player: works cooperatively within team to achieve goals and to foster commitment, spirit, pride and trust.
- Time Management Skills: ability to accomplish tasks within timeframes and by deadlines.
- Program Specific_
- Flexibility in picking up and serving clients
- quick notice, evening and weekend meetings.
- Ability to support a client’s individual plan to achieve their goal(s).
- Ability to advocate for a client wishes.
- Comfortable working in various community settings.

**Qualifications**
- **(DSW), (SSW)**:

- **Developmental Service Worker Diploma, Social Service Worker Diploma.**:

- Minimum of 3 years’ experience working with adults with disabilities and families, within the context of a therapeutic program, as well as community-based liaison and advocacy.
- Understanding and working knowledge of all relevant legislation that governs service.
- Demonstrated computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook and experience working in a data base management system.
- Current NVCI/PMAB/UMAB, First Aid/CPR
- Maintain an acceptable Criminal/V