Adult Protective Service 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**
- Implementation of all Quality Assurance regulations (QAM), policies, and contractual obligations governing the delivery Developmental Services to Adults living independently in the community or in the family home.
- 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 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.
- Provides ongoing comprehensive case management to individuals, assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating the options and services required to meet the individual’s service needs.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- To development, planning, implementation and promotion of social inclusion and community participation for individuals in service as assigned through supported independent living and family home programs.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.

**Qualifications**
- Developmental Service Worker Diploma, Social Service Worker Diploma. (DSW, SSW)
- 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/Vulnerable Sector Record and Health Assessment.
- Access to reliable vehicle to travel anywhere in the Hamilton catchment areas.

**Working Conditions**
- The APSW and FSW will primarily conduct work in a variety of settings including schools, community locations and clien