CONTRACT Direct Support Professional

LOCATION: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. We support individuals to live a fulfilling life which is fostered through preschool and early learning supports, respite services, residential services, community participation, and employment supports.

Successful candidates will provide a range of supports and services to adults with a developmental disability in the areas of community participation, life skill development, activities of daily living, health and wellness, as well as transportation.

Our Vision Statement guides our work: "A community where everyone belongs and participates".

Perks

• Developmental Service Worker Apprenticeship Program Sponsor
• Paid on-the-job training
• Paid professional development opportunities
• Employee and Family Assistance Program for all staff, their partners, and dependents
• Discounted rates on home and auto insurance
• Fun and engaging workplace.

Responsibilities

• Promoting people's skills and abilities
• Providing opportunities and education for growth and development
• Honouring personal choice and informed decision-making
• Implementing individualized routines that are patterned to reflect typical life experiences and which involve people to the highest degree possible.
• Providing respectful and supportive personal care
• Providing lifts and transfers as necessary

Requirements

• College diploma (2 years), Developmental Service Worker (DSW) Apprenticeship Certificate, and/or University degree in Human Services
• Minimum one year direct experience
• A comprehensive understanding and demonstration of Core Competencies and person directed support and planning concepts
• Ability to implement positive approaches for any demeanor, work as an integral part of the team, and be an effective interpersonal communicator
• You must believe in an inclusive community, fostering independence, and advocating for others to have their own voice
• Able to provide physical (e.g., lifting, transfers) and behavioural intervention skills
• Able to demonstrate initiative, resilience, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and decision-making
• A valid G or G2 driver's licence, current First Aid, NVCI, and computer skills are also essential

Core Competencies

• Advocacy

• Building Relationships

• Championing Change and Innovation

• Facilitating Growth and Development

• Inclusive Leadership

• Problem Solving & Decision Making

• Resilience

• Resource Management

• Strategic Thinking

• Valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

Schedule: Monday to Thursday, rotating 11:00am-9:00pm and 1:30pm-11:30pm

Start Date: January 5, 2026 – 3 month contract

Rate of Pay: $24.64 – $27.38

Applicants must submit a résumé and cover letter online with a summary of relevant qualifications and reason for interest in this position by December 3, 2025.

To apply, please visit our Job Application page

Please address the cover letter to the location Manager:

ATTN: Nicola Dekeyser – Manager of Inclusive Living

Only successful applicants will be notified. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.

Job ID:

KW Habilitation is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including, 2SLGBTQ+ identified persons, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities, and individuals for whom English is not their first language. We seek to provide accessibility for all applicants with our accessibility policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.