Support Services Specialist

Title: – Support Services Specialist (SSS)

Employment Status: Temporary Full Time

Work Hours: 80 hours bi-weekly

Location(s): Gowdy Location

Department: Residential and Respite Services Team

The SSS works as a professional within a clinical multidisciplinary team that follows a biopsychosocial model of intervention. The role primarily supports youth and adults with complex developmental, physical, and behavioural needs. Along with the support of the leadership team and behavioural therapist the SSS will be responsible for effectively implementing behavioural support plans and protocols and assist with clinical assessments as needed. The position will be responsible for the collection of data on programs and be actively involved in providing person centered care, a strong advocate for the people supported within the home.

Duties and responsibilities

• Consistently and effectively implement Behaviour Support Plans and programming to reduce risk-behaviour and support skill development for individuals with complex needs.
• Work directly with supported individuals utilizing supportive intervention strategies (including crisis intervention strategies like physical restraints, behavioural PRN administration) and de-escalation techniques.
• Assess risk and support people in developing a plan to keep the person safe.
• Provide person-directed support and services to supporting individuals in a manner that is respectful and fosters self-determination and empowerment whenever possible.
• Provide transportation to and from all daily living activities.
• Assist in all activities of daily living. Including personal hygiene support, participation in physical, vocational, and recreational activities.
• Effectively implement care plans for individuals supported, including behaviour support plan proactive strategies and de-escalation strategies.
• Provide education and mentorship to people supported on individual choice and informed decision making.
• Promote a safe environment for people supported (in home and community), staff, families, and visitors.
• Assess needs of client and exercise good judgment when implementing intrusive measures for people supported.
• Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner in accordance with ministry requirements. This includes detailed incident reports, daily notes, communication logs and data collection.
• Work with the Behavioural team in data collection reporting, completing data sheets and advising on any new or concerning behaviours being presented by supported individuals.
• At times may act as a liaison between the families, people supported and leadership.
• Participate in writing, Individual Service Plan documentation, recording medical appointment outcomes or other consultive appointments. Consult with the team supporting the individual to evaluate the individual's needs and plan for continuing services.
• Provide formal and informal mentorship and training to new employees, part time workers and volunteers, upholding a positive image for Hopewell and promoting adherence to organizational policies and practices.
• Be familiar with and dispense medications. Follow medication procedures and manage medication as per protocols.
• Observe, assess, and report changes in individuals' behaviours, physical abilities, and activities.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills:
• Professionally and respectfully communicate in writing and in person with other team members, supporting individuals, family members and community partners: demonstrating respect and interest in other's opinions and insights.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to assume and maintain a various postures for prolonged periods of time. (i.e. Kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting standing.)
• Must be able to physically transport or hold/restrain to ensure the best care welfare and security of adult persons supported.
• Requires ability to make quick body movements in response to challenging behaviours.

Accountability

At Hopewell, we recognize that core organization specific employee behaviours are fundamental to the success of our organization. Through actions, all employees support the Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles, of Hopewell. Thus, the following responsibilities are core to all jobs at Hopewell, including this one. All employees in all jobs are expected to:

• Navigate high stress situations while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of the people supported and adhering to the protocols in place.
• Ensure proper use of PPE, at times may require wearing specialized equipment to reduce the risk of injury including concussion.
• Strictly administer daily prescribed medications according to established protocols, responsible for narcotic medication administration and counts, assess the needs of individuals and administer prescribed PRN medications for behaviours and other needs.
• Report to supervisor any contravention of the legislation, standards, policies and procedures, e.g., defective equipment or hazards in the work environment. Understand and follow guidelines for financial accountability with respect to petty cash, purchasing for the individuals and the program, individuals' accounts etc. Keep up to date all training as required, request additional support and guidance if unsure of how to manage a situation.
• Possess and demonstrate knowledge of First Aid, CPR, CPI, WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety Act, fire prevention and safety procedures and other areas as deemed necessary by the association.

Be reliable, this includes:

• Being prepared to start your shift as scheduled.
• Completing required tasks at appropriate times (during shift).
• Following through on the directions given by the Manager.

Adhere to the guidelines and regulations established in the workplace, this includes:

• Adhering to Hopewell's Policy and Procedures (e.g., Health and Safety Guidelines, Confidentiality etc.);
• Recognize, identify, and report problems, contentious issues, and serious incidents, including recommending solutions to the manager where appropriate.
• Always behaving in a professional, legally, and ethically compliant manner.
• Always follow Hopewell's dress code policy by dressing in a professional manner while supporting individuals within their homes and communities.
• Demonstrating a strong commitment to continuously improving the quality of life of individuals so that they may live with dignity and respect.

Complete documentation and training, this includes:

• Completing necessary paperwork on shift, with high levels of data accuracy and attention to detail.
• Participating in ongoing training and development and ensure all mandatory training requirements are met and maintained.
• Required to train in Advance Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

Maintain healthy internal relationships, this includes:

• Recognizing and responding to vocalized and implied needs of residents in a timely, nurturing, and professional manner, as well as working well with workplace peers/colleagues.
• Maintaining a positive attitude about the workplace is critical to maintaining a pleasant relationship with residents and peers.
• Directly reporting potential/actual areas of concern about residents/peers to their coordinator or manager.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties that may be required by the agency.

Preferred

• 1 year(s): Social and Community Services, Developmental Sector Experience

Preferred

• College Certificate (1 year or less) or better

Required

• Valid Driver's License
• Driver's Abstract
• Vulnerable Sector Screen
• NVCI Certification
• First Aid & CPR Cert