Ds-u23-26 Residential Counsellor

ABOUT US
Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.
WHO WE ARE
People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.
We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.
Our Developmental Services residential programs provide home life skills training and transition planning to males with developmental disabilities/dual diagnosis, 18 years of age, and older. The position encompasses supports, and counselling, life skills facilitation, safety and security, crisis management, administrative, clerical, and facilities up-keep duties.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Job Class
Union
Department
Developmental Services
Location
Toronto ON (Toronto East)
Status
Relief, Permanent
Pay Rate
$26.84 hourly
Vacancy Number
DS-U23-26
Number of vacancies
As needed
Available
Immediately
Hours/Shifts
**Flexibility to work 3 varying shifts**: please indicate the shift you are available for
24:00 to 8:00,
8:00 to 16:00,
16:00 to 24:00

**Requirements**:
WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
- Support and Counselling: Provide individuals with support and information as to a decision or course of action for their daily living activities, including but not limited to: hygiene, budgeting, cooking, nutrition, social skills and community, and achieving specific goals.
- Life Skills Facilitation: provide life skills programming, in the home and in the community that promotes learning for independent living.
- Community Outings/Escorts: provide supports for individuals to actively participate in community activities safely
- Conflict Management: manage challenging behaviors in a residential, community setting;
- Attend to crisis situations using a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior and identify before, during, and after behavior through the appropriate collection of objective and accurate information.
- Address or resolve issues and follow applicable policies and work procedures consistently including but not limited to the principles of reinforcement, safe management techniques in case of crisis or when dealing with challenging behavior.
- Health and Safety: Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residents and the staff as per policies, procedures and the law
- Administrative Duties: Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program.

WHO YOU ARE
Education/Experience
- Post-Secondary diploma/degree in the Social Services field, e.g., i.e. BSW, BA, DSW, SSW.
- Valid First Aid and Safe Management certifications.
- Minimum two (2) years of recent work-related experience in the Developmental Service sector in the following areas:

- Working directly with individuals with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis
- supports and counselling, life skills facilitation, community supports and safe management
- With a thorough understanding of the Social Inclusion Act and the Act for the Supports of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2008).
- Working knowledge of the Developmental Services Sector.
- Knowledge of community resources, both internal and external.

Skills/Abilities
- Individual and group facilitation skills leading to individuals increasing independence in regards to independent living skills.
- Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to individuals and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and assessment of risk to the individuals we serve.
- Program planning skills to implement, evaluate, and modify new and existing programs, as needed.
- Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse confrontational situations. Ability to work well under pressure to ensure mínimal interruption in service delivery.
- Written communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear, concise manner - adjust to the receiver's needs for various levels of communication.
- Verbal skills, i