Child and Youth Worker/ Child and Youth Care

DIRECT SUPPORT WORKER (ADULT / CHILD) -
**Overview**:
Our organization provides specialized residential care for adults and/or children within the developmental services sector. We provide behavioral supervision and support mostly for people who are dual diagnosed (e.g., development need and a mental health issue). A typical residence or ‘program’ includes between two to four clients who are supported by direct support workers. (We also support clients who are living independently or in family homes.) Staff to client ratios vary based on client needs; most of our clients receive supervision and support 24 hours a day 7 days a week. As such, most of our programs are considered continuous operations.

The Direct Support Worker (DSW) is accountable for efficient and effective day-to-day developmental support and personal care for residents. The position reports to the Program Supervisor.

The Direct Support Worker’s mandate is to help residents achieve their development goals with dignity. Within that mandate, the Director is accountable for creating the conditions that result in (a) quality care and professional delivery of development support services and (b) a work environment that prioritizes health and safety, accountability, and personal development.

The Direct Support Worker interacts primarily with residents, other DSWs, Shift Leader and the Program Supervisor.

The Direct Support Worker must maintain a thorough understanding and knowledge of the organization’s operating policies and practices and desired culture, including a focus on inclusion, equity, and diversity.

**Qualifications**:
This role requires a post-secondary degree in the social services field (e.g., Social Service Worker, Developmental Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker) and a minimum of five years experience in the social services field, particularly in residential treatment for developmental adults and/or children with complex developmental needs, autism spectrum disorder, Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, mental illness, and dual diagnosis. Experience and sound knowledge of MCCSS guidelines and Quality Assurance Management (QAM) requirements for the licensing of residential programs is an asset.

Other qualifications:

- Must possess a valid G-class driver’s license and insurance.
- Must possess all other government regulated certifications - e.g., Occupational Health & Safety and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities.
- Must complete and maintain certification in Safe Management Group Crisis Intervention (SMG) or Understanding Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB), as applicable.
- Current CPR level C / First Aid Certification.
- Acceptable results from Criminal Background Check, Broad Sector Check and / or Vulnerable Sector Screening as applicable.
- Proven experience delivering on the responsibilities outlined below.

**Value Drivers**:
The following outcomes reflect on the performance of the Direct Support Worker:

- The extent to which each program achieves positive QAM and licensing reviews from MCCSS.
- The extent to which organizational risks are proactively identified and addressed.
- The extent to which residents achieve their developmental goals.

**Responsibilities**:
**(A) Ensure quality care and professional delivery of development support services.**

**Service Quality**
- Ensure that Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs), QAM and MCCSS requirements, organizational policies, SMG or UMAB training, and Behavioural and Crisis Protocols are well understood and performed consistently in an appropriate manner.
- Implement Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), providing hands-on care and supporting daily living activities, including personal hygiene, nutrition planning and preparation, as well as medicine administration; provide direct and indirect support to individuals as required by personal support plans.
- Perform protocols, interactions, learning techniques, financial responsibility and basic care in an appropriate manner.
- Promote community inclusion, independence and self-determinism for the individuals supported; support clients to identify, work towards and achieve their goals/personal outcomes.
- Encourage and support clients in the areas of social skills, communications, vocation, education, training, school and/or leisure activities to enhance their experience and quality of life.
- Encourage self-expression of individuals supported and remain knowledgeable of verbal and nonverbal communications, including alternative communication systems and techniques.
- Use creativity and resourcefulness to ensure quality of life principals are effectively applied for clients; provide safe and effective solutions to barriers impacting quality of life, in accordance with the BSP.
- Participate in case conferences, progress reports, BSP and ISP (Individualized Support Plan) meetings as required.
- Actively contribute to ensuring that residences (inside and outside) are clean, tidy, properly maintained, safe, and healthy; addre