Volunteer Support Worker

Are you looking for a rewarding volunteer opportunity to support individuals to meet their Quality of Life goals through meaningful and creative supports?

As a Volunteer Support Worker, you would engage in enjoyable community activities, build meaningful relationships, and make a positive impact on individual’s and their family’s lives.

**ABOUT US**:
The DDRC is a non-profit, registered, charitable organization that began in 1952. We offer programs and resources for children and adults with developmental disabilities, their friends and family, and other members of the community. The DDRC employee’s role model the DDRC mission - “DDRC promotes awareness and supports communities to include persons with developmental disabilities, thereby strengthening communities for all citizens.” If you believe in the DDRC's mission and values, we would welcome you to our team.

**WHAT THE ROLE PROVIDES YOU**:
The DDRC is currently looking for volunteers to work with our clients alongside staff in the following Programs and Services:

- **Community Access**: Supports people as they work, join clubs, volunteer, and make friends in their communities.
- **Learning and Leadership**: Offers training for clients on a number of current issues, as well as rights and responsibilities.
- **PACE**: Provides employment preparation support to help individuals reach their employment goals.

We offer semi-fixed schedules that may change based on clients needs, training, development, coaching, free parking, mileage where applicable, and a culture that supports work/life balance.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Facilitate and support clients in implementing and evaluating personal plans and goals
- Identify progressive steps towards identified roles and goals
- Provide an engaging and positive environment for clients
- Team development within individual team, across teams, inter-agency, intra-agency, and the community
- Provide personal care, as needed
- Work alongside an experienced CRW to provide behaviour support and follow outlined behaviour plans, as required
- Provide support with community inclusion including accompanying adults to registered recreational or social activities; foster positive relationships within the community
- Support CRWs with helping clients in accessing resources regarding augmentative communication, as directed
- Facilitate the development of relationships and natural supports
- Attend all required workshops and re-certifications
- Report and document any required Case Notes, Incident Report details, Timesheets, etc., within outlined timeframes and as directed
- Attend all required meetings and planning sessions, as requested
- Ensure full understanding and working knowledge of the ‘Volunteer Support Worker Position Profile’
- Maintain awareness of and adherence to Agency policies and procedures; work in accordance with Creating Excellence Together (CET) Accreditation Standards

**WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE**:

- Minimum Grade 12 High School Diploma with an interest in exploring Disability Studies, Social Work, or similar education
- Valid certificate in Standard (Intermediate) First Aid CPR/AED - Level C, or willing to complete this mandatory training, if required
- Driver’s license (and vehicle) are considered assets
- Proficiency in MS Office and Outlook
- Excellent written and oral communication
- Participate in self-development activities to ensure ongoing learning and maintain high standards of professionalism
- Knowledge of or experience in community inclusion
- Ability to provide support to adult clients
- Ability to identify issues requiring advocacy and advocate on behalf of clients and people with disabilities in general
- Ability to coordinate and access appropriate services and supports with clients

**PERSONAL QUALITIES**:

- Demonstrates values consistent with the DDRC mission
- Commitment to team unity and accountability
- Desire for continuous professional development and learning

**DDRC VALUES**:

- We value diversity;
- We believe individuals have a right to explore and fulfill their potentials;
- We recognize the need for accountability and responsibility; and
- We foster an environment of respect, acceptance, accessibility, and interdependence.