Respite Direct Support Professional

**ABOUT US**

Turning Leaf is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides person-centered, crisis and treatment services to low and high-risk vulnerable and marginalized individuals living with mental illness and intellectual challenge in our community. Turning Leaf’s support is customized to every individual’s needs and risk level. We offer crisis-intervention and treatment services, community support, day program services, residential support (including emergency housing, 24-hour homes, cluster housing, and home share), a harm reduction program, clinical services, indigenous services and more.
- **We are proud to be recognized as one of Manitoba’s Top Employers of 2025. This honour distinguishes Turning Leaf as a leader in our industry, and as one of the top places to work in the province.**_

**WHO WE SUPPORT**

The participants of our programs are often deeply impacted by their circumstances which can become barriers to living safely and independently in the community. Trauma, homelessness, poverty, addictions, discrimination, sexual exploitation, societal stigmas, and lack of access to resources are some of the barriers our participants face every day.

**MAKE AN IMPACT**

Being a part of the Turning Leaf family means you will have the opportunity to make a direct and positive impact on people’s lives every day. The work is challenging in all the best ways and deeply rewarding. Many of our employees say they have found their life’s purpose while working here.

Turning Leaf provides ongoing, meaningful training to ensure we remain an industry leader and that our employees have the skills and confidence to be successful in their careers. We are an organization that pledges to uphold a workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, compassion, and respect.
- **New Hire Incentive Program: Full/Part-Time new hires will receive a $200 bonus after six months of employment.**_

**JOB SUMMARY**

Respite Direct Support Professionals are responsible for delivering our respite services to participants experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder or other intellectual disabilities and complex needs. The respite shifts are primarily for before and after day program care, as well as weekend respite. Direct Support Professionals report to and work closely with the Day Program Supervisor and Case Manager to observe, plan, assist with aspects of personal care as needed (e.g., assistance with eating, personal hygiene, hands-on assistance in the bathroom, etc.), and facilitate learning through individualized programming and one on one support within the Day Program as well as out in the community including daily living skills, social and life skills, etc.

**ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS**
- Cover letter and updated resume
- 18 years of age or older
- Available Monday to Friday 5:00am-8:00am; between 4:00pm and 9:00pm; and Saturdays 9:30am-4:30/5:00pm (Part-time)
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check (no older than six months)
- Child Abuse Registry Check (no older than three months)
- Valid Drivers license and a clear drivers abstract is required
- Access to a reliable personal vehicle is considered an asset
- Healthcare Aid Certificate, or health care training is considered an asset
- NCI (Non-violent crisis intervention training) Advanced Physical Skills an asset
- Valid Standard First Aid / CPR Certification
- Minimum of one-year experience providing supports to individuals experiencing intellectual challenge
- Completion of a Post-Secondary Education in Human Services (Certificate, Diploma or Degree) is considered an asset
- Three employment references

**QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS**

Respite Direct Support Professionals should demonstrate emotional awareness and have the ability to remain calm in escalated situations. Direct Support Professionals are encouraged to engage in interpersonal relationships judiciously, empathetically, and professionally while executing their responsibilities and providing person-centered supports.

In addition, Respite Direct Support Professionals must possess experience with and skills in:

- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Organizational and planning skills with related decision-making abilities
- Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively as part of the team
- Previous experience supporting individuals experiencing Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other intellectual disabilities
- Experience supporting individuals with complex needs
- Experience in personal care such as personal hygiene, hands-on assistance in the bathroom, etc.
- Experience in nutrition-related tasks such as menu preparation and menu planning
- Possess an innate desire to treat all people with dignity and respect

**SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Demonstrate the fundamental principles of the agency when engaging participants in daily activities.
- Provide direct, in-person supervision to