Support Worker

The FASD Network is a community-based, provincial organization with offices in Saskatoon and Regina. The organization works to enhance the lives of individuals and families impacted by FASD.

We are looking for a passionate and dedicated team member who wants to help improve the lives of individuals and families with FASD.

**Main Purpose of the Job**:
The purpose of this position is to provide support to families and individuals impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:
Provide direct support to families assisting them with creating strategies and accommodations for their home, school and work environments.

Support families to access existing services and/or tailor services to meet the needs of individuals with FASD and their families.

Support individuals with FASD and their families to recognize themselves as safe, supported, valued, and contributing members of the community.

Facilitate support networks in and around the province of Saskatchewan as funding allows.

Work to increase awareness and understanding in the community of the impact of FASD on persons with disability and their families.

Provide telephone and in-person information and support to individuals with FASD, families, and support persons throughout the region.

Provide one-on-one support with families affected by FASD in several concrete areas such as:

- Developing support plans
- Providing education around FASD
- assisting families to facilitate respite
- attending meetings and appointments with families to enhance understanding from both service providers and clients
- becoming a part of multidisciplinary teams in education, justice, health, and addictions sectors to assist families or individual members
- meeting with employers

Implementing appropriate strategies and accommodations that will increase the chances for success in the home, community, school or workplace.

Make referrals to service providers (ie: occupational therapists, counselors, addictions groups, etc.) Support Professionals will have the ability to provide information on FASD to these groups to meet the needs of the client and the community itself.

Provide behavioral consultation and outreach strategies including home visits when necessary or beneficial. For example, providing practical strategies like creating visual charts, task lists, use of timers and other reminders

Assist families in accessing current services such as the CDS, mentorship programs and appropriate educational and employment supports. (Knowledge of regional resources and the most effective approaches to access such support is vital.)

Support the facilitation of learning among parents (birth, adoptive, foster, grandparents, and extended families) through creative approaches (role modeling, demonstrating). This includes connecting families to training opportunities and provincial events provided by the FASD Network of Saskatchewan.

Assist families in accessing the assessment and diagnostic services available. Work with families to understand assessment documents and support them through the process.

Coordinate, promote, and facilitate Caregiver and Peer Support Groups welcoming all parents and individuals in the area to become involved in ongoing meetings convening monthly

Linking families to other families for peer support and shared learning.

Engaging with regional community professionals to educate them about the Network. Once a relationship has been established, work with the community to provide an opportunity for parents in the area to meet.

Providing support and education to service providers working with families.

Creating partnerships with local mentors and other support professionals working to provide guidance and strategies that are FASD-specific

Providing information and advocacy on behalf of families to ensure appropriate service provision within community areas and connect families with the Network’s resources in Saskatoon when provincial advocacy is required.

**Other Requirements**

Must be able to work evenings and weekends if the position requires.

Travel may be expected, including overnights

Must have access to a vehicle and be willing to use the vehicle for job purposes, including client transportation where necessary.

**Qualifications**:
Related post-secondary education such as Bachelor of Social Work degree is an asset (but not required)

1-2 years’ experience working with families who have a member living with a cognitive disability.

Knowledge of FASD, its affects, and strategies in behavior management is desired.

Ability to use independent judgment in routine and non-routine situations.

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and other staff members.

Ability to plan, organize and/or prioritize daily activities

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $23.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insuran