Disability Support Worker

**The Program**

This position supports programs 336-31 & 336-34, promoting Community Inclusion though social and recreation events.

Helping people with diverse abilities thrive in their communities

WJS Canada's Community Disability Services team in Westlock works to encourage persons with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to build on their strengths, further develop life skills, overcome barriers and become?involved?in their community.

**In Your Role You Will**
- Provide support to persons-served with access to their community, including safe transportation of individuals to/from recreational, leisure activities
- Encourage persons-served to be physically active and participate in sporting activities with the person-served - which may include swimming, walking, basketball, etc.
- Encourage and provide opportunities for social interaction within communities and model healthy relationships and setting boundaries
- Work independently with the person-served towards achieving the goals set out in their Individual Support Plan (ISP); encouraging them during setbacks and celebrating successes with them.
- Support behavioural, emotional and social needs/development (within the program & during community activities), as well as, individuals basic needs Ex. hygiene, personal care, life skills
- Minimize risks in the client's physical, social & recreational environments
- Use de-escalation techniques for any behaviours of concern
- Act as an advocate alongside persons-served and facilitate good communication between all involved in the individual’s life
- Collaborate with external agencies/professionals and service providers involved with individuals to develop and improve community access and services
- Participate in program meetings, review and share caseload information
- Exercise flexibility with scheduling and manage crisis situations
- Administrative duties including assessments, reporting, record keeping, etc. as required.

**The Position**

This Disability Support Worker, will support adults with a developmental disability through community access. The position involves picking up and driving person-served to access community resources/events (which may include bingo, shopping, banking, etc) and participating in recreation and physical exercise such as swimming, basketball, walking, going to the gym, etc. with the persons-served. Reliable vehicle is a requirement of this position.

Must be flexible as shift days and times may change according to the client needs. Some evening and weekend work will be required.

ALLERGY ALERT - Clients live in residences with pets

Bona Fide Occupational Requirement: This is a gender-specific position based upon the behavior and needs of the persons served.

**Criminal Record Check/Ministry Check Statement**

** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a current (dated within 6 months of hiring date) Criminal Record Check and Ministry Check. These checks can take up to 6 weeks to obtain, please ensure you prepare accordingly.**
- Minimum Grade 12 or Diploma/Degree in Disabilities Studies, Social Work, Human Services, Special Education, Recreation or equivalent
- MANDATORY - One (1) year experience working with persons with developmental disabilities.
- MANDATORY - A valid Class 5 Driver License with acceptable driving abstract and reliable vehicle
- A positive attitude and belief that persons with disabilities have the right / responsibility to define and pursue their life choices, and pursue active participation and involvement in the community.
- Skills in assisting individuals in anger management, daily living, self help, etc.

ALSO helpful, but will train if needed:

- First Aid/CPR Certification
- Crisis Prevention Intervention, Medication Administration, Abuse Protocol, Proactive Procedures and Behavioural Strategies, Foundations and Disabilities Training
- Knowledge of basic health and safety rules and guidelines for personal health and safety, as appropriate.

Not sure you meet the requirements? We may be able to consider diverse combinations of skills, education and experience, so please apply.
**What WJS Canada does**

We are a close-knit national social services agency, that provide community-based services to children and families, persons with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth and young offenders, designed to foster positive life changes and increase self-esteem. Over the past 30 years, we've grown to over 700 dedicated staff, in 3 provinces, who serve approximately 1,600 persons through over 125 services. As a Certified B-Corp, for-profit company, we use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.

**Our Employees Enjoy**
- Employer-paid Dental & Extended Health benefits
- Regular wage increases at 6 months and 1 year employment.
- Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees
- Staff training and opportunities to learn/work in a wide array of programs.
- An empowering balance of