Contract Direct Support Professional- 12 Months

**WE ARE**:Since 1979, Aptus has specialized in supporting people with complex needs, including those who have a dual diagnosis mental health disorder. To meet these needs, Aptus has a comprehensive clinical team, including Occupational Therapy, Recreation Therapy and Behaviour Services teams.
- “How we care for, nurture, and respect the choices of each individual, helping them to live fully and as members of the community,” that’s what Aptus is all about,” ~ Queba Nongmiseh, Team Manager_

**YOU ARE**: Passionate about working with those with disabilities. Creative, curious, and able to build relationships, you never stop learning, thrive on constant change, and celebrate the developmental wins of the people you support every chance you can. Overall, you will have a direct impact on improving the lives of our clients, their families, and the community.

**WHAT YOU WILL DO - ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Establish a respectful relationship with everyone we support which recognize their rights as a citizen and promote their dignity and well-being.
- Support individuals to develop decision-making skills, exercise choices, and assume responsibilities and reasonable risks. Involve individuals and their advocate in the decision-making process.
- Develop and/or implement support agreements to achieve personal outcomes using Personal Outcome Measures.
- Protect and honour the rights of people with disabilities
- Ensuring a safe and clean home for people served
- Develop a positive rapport while serving as a role model to create a safe and caring environment
- Teach skills to individuals served that increase independence such as eating, cooking, and bathing
- Assist in finding and participating in meaningful community activities

This position will require you to provide support to a wide range of complex needs, including behavioural supports, medical supports, and providing personal care. For this position you will need to have a demonstrated degree of flexibility regarding work hours and schedules to meet the needs of the organization and the people we support. Day time and occasionally evening and weekend availability will be required.

**WHAT YOU WILL NEED (QUALIFICATIONS)**
- DSW or equivalent, preferably with a minimum of two years’ experience working with people who have an intellectual disability
- Ability to support behavioural needs and protocols
- Previous experience supporting people who have mental health diagnosis and dealing with high anxiety situations
- Ability to work independently and as a team member
- Ability to follow and create Support Plans
- Ability to relate to the specific support needs of the people supported at assigned location
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Good communication skills including written and verbal
- Ability to maintain accurate documentation and some experience scheduling
- Current First Aid, CPR and Non-violent Crisis Intervention certificates
- Proven use of CPI strategies including verbal de-escalation
- Training in dispensing medications
- Valid driver’s licence (G or G2)
- Vulnerable Sector Screening

**WHY WORK AT APTUS?**
- **“**_I love my job because I am able to give a voice to the voiceless and support those who need help.” ~_Calvin Reddick-Primo_
- Career growth - Many of our managers, supervisors and team leads were promoted from entry level and college placement roles.
- Stability - We have been in operation since 1979.
- Passion - You will have the chance to work with a talented and diverse group of individuals who are passionate about making a positive impact.
- Balance - We offer competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive culture that encourages work-life balance.
- Development - With a strong focus on professional development and advancement, we provide the resources and opportunities for you to reach your full potential.

We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

PLEASE NOTE: To protect the health and safety of our staff, the people we support and their families and in the interest to follow strong public health measures, it is a requirement of employment at Aptus to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in accordance with our Vaccination Policy.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From $21.83 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Additional pay:

- Overtime pay

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

- English not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- DSW: 2 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (required)
- Driving Licence (required)
- CPR Certification (required)

Work Location: In person