Supportive Neighbour

HELP WANTED - Supportive Neighbour

Through the Integrated Living Services program, funded by PDD, we match adults living with developmental disabilities with individuals and families in the Calgary community.

The DDRC is seeking compassionate and dedicated individuals who share our values and are committed to empowering others to live fulfilling, independent lives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The DDRC is looking for passionate, driven individuals who live our values and can work independently.

As a Supportive Neighbour, you will play a vital part in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting their well-being, individuality, and independence. You will encourage clients to develop their unique skills, talents, and abilities while ensuring their health, safety, and overall quality of life.

Responsibilities may include providing personal care, assisting with meal planning and preparation, administering medications, managing daily household tasks, and maintaining accurate documentation.

This role is supported through continuous training, guidance, and collaboration with agency personnel to ensure effective service delivery.

CRITERIA:

• Promote and encourages each client to maintain an optimum level of health, well-being, and self-esteem
• Maintains and models appropriate personal boundaries with the client and refrains from involvement in the client's personal affairs or other matters that may constitute a conflict of interest
• Communicates effectively with the client using their chosen means of communication (e.g., picture boards, Blissymbols, or speech devices)
• Identifies and assesses behavioural needs and models appropriate behavioural strategies
• Supports the client with problem-solving, compatibility, and conflict resolution
• Promotes the integration and acceptance of the client in the community
• Fulfills the health, safety, and personal care requirements of the client
• Assists the client with all aspects of daily living, including arranging appointments, transportation, accessing the community, and providing financial guidance as needed
• Prepares nutritional meals using safe and hygienic food handling and storage practices.
• Implements each client's Health Care Plan, contacts external professional supports as appropriate, and follows directions from health professionals
• Administers and records medications in accordance with ILS policies and procedures
• Monitors medication supplies, reports missing medications and medication errors, and reorders medications and medical supplies as needed, per DDRC Administration of Medication guidelines
• Maintains current knowledge of each client's medication regimen, including the purpose of each medication and its possible side effects
• Maintains awareness of client drug and food allergies and sensitivities
• Actively cooperates and participates with the client's DDRC Team Leader and other appropriate professionals to develop and implement personal goals and plans
• Reports all health and safety risks or concerns, as well as site maintenance needs, to the ILS Team Leader
• Applies principles of good hygiene and universal precautions in all aspects of the role
• Submits Emergency Drill Reports, performs emergency evacuation drills, and completes the Emergency Preparedness Checklist as directed by the Supervisor
• Takes personal responsibility for health and safety, including wearing appropriate clothing, footwear, and personal protective gear while on duty
• Respects and protects the home and personal belongings of clients
• Maintains current knowledge of all DDRC mandatory and required optional training
• Applies safe body mechanic techniques while performing all duties

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE:

• Disabilities studies certificate/diploma or similar education or equivalent experience, with a minimum Grade 12 High School Diploma
• Have current or will enroll in mandatory training including Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C, Verbal Intervention (NVCI), Medication Administration
• Able to foster healthy relationships and maintain consistent boundaries
• Intermediate computer skills, including competency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Professional and excellent communication both written and verbal, with the ability to be articulate, clear and precise
• Maintains ongoing communication with the agency regarding any significant matters affecting the adjustment and welfare of a client, including behavioural observations
• Reads all relevant documentation on an ongoing basis (where appropriate)
• Understands and follows proper incident reporting procedures for serious or unusual incidents, such as client injury or illness, aggression, or staff injury

PERSONAL QUALITIES:

• Demonstrates values consistent with the DDRC mission
• Commitment to on-going development and continuous learning
• Demonstrates flexibility, objectivity, creativity, initiative
• Handles situations with assertiveness, tact, diplomacy and a positive attitude

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.

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.