2023-002 Community Support Worker

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The position of the Housing and Program Initiatives Community Worker is responsible for participating in client program planning and program implementation and assisting in the pursuit of opportunities for community inclusion and participation. The position is also responsible for the implementation of clinical and professional recommendations in order to reach individual’s goals and maximize their potential.

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**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**
- 2 year Community College diploma, preferably BST, DSW, CYW
- 1 year practical experience with individuals who have a developmental disability and/or dual diagnosis (some who may have come in contact with the law) in a community setting
- Knowledge and understanding of the needs and best practice service standards for persons with developmental disabilities
- Understanding of the impact of a developmental disability on the individual and family
- Good interpersonal skills, personal maturity and the ability to be a positive role model
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- CPR and First Aid training
- Certification in non-violent crisis intervention (CPI)
- Pharmacology training is an asset
- Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**1.**
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**PROVIDES SERVICES TO CLIENTS LIVING MORE INDEPENDENTLY BY**:

- Assist the client to participate in a more independent living arrangement by supporting their daily living requirements.
- Developing strategies for independent living in a home based setting.
- Providing strategies for independence.
- Creating a continuous teaching and learning support structure that will engage the individual while providing them with skills to support greater independence.
- Assist individuals to use technology to support their living arrangement.
- Teach individuals to live in a safe environment.
- Participating in the implementation of instructional programs, consistent with the goals of individuals supported through the Community activities.
- Participating in the pursuit of opportunities for community inclusion and participation.
- Participating in the selection and/or preparation of various activities and learning.
- Transporting clients from home to the community supports, appointments, employment, etc.

**2. **PROVIDES SUPPORT TO CLIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY BY**:

- Consulting with clients to plan for events or activities that would interest them.
- Maintaining family contact and community relations.
- Engaging community connections with employers, friends and participants in social opportunities.
- Exploring new opportunities for teaching and learning.
- Providing an appropriate role model by interacting with the client, encouraging engagement with staff and other community participants in a positive, encouraging manner.
- Interacting with service providers, individuals in the community, parents, etc. with an emphasis on sharing information to ensure consistency in all environments and to maintain cooperation and positive communication between all mediators.
- Identify new opportunities that could be presented to the client and explore their interest.
- Providing personal support for individuals (i.e. personal hygiene, safety, etc.).

**3. **PROVIDES ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT BY**:

- Working as a team member in cooperation with the Housing and Program Initiatives Facilitator, Housing and Program Initiatives Assistant, Housing and Program Initiatives Aide, and other DSLG staff as required.
- Participating in the planning of general routines and specific long and short-term goals of community participants, including documentation as required.

**4. **PARTICIPATES IN OTHER RELATED DUTIES INCLUDING (BUT NOT LIMITED TO)**:

- Administering medication that comes in the original packaging and is properly labeled.
- Maintaining program materials, equipment, program areas, supplies, etc.
- Maintaining petty cash (up to $20.00 per participant).

**5. RELATED TO POLICIESA AND PROCEDURES**:

- Operates in accordance with applicable Legislative, Ministry and professional association requirements of the position
- Is knowledgeable about, ensures others are knowledgeable about and complies with Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) guidelines as directed by the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS)
- Is knowledgeable about, ensures others are knowledgeable about and complies with the agency’s policies and procedures
- Operates, at all times, in a safe and secure manner

**6. **HEALTH ANS SAFETY**:

- Ensure Health and Safety Program requirements are followed based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Ensure an awareness of safety measures for the agency, yourself and the individuals receiving services
- Ensure compliance with the agency’s mandatory training requirements

**The foregoing Job Description reflects the general duties necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be construed to be all of the work requirem