Community Support Worker

I Have A Chance Support Services Ltd.Community Support Worker (CSW) 

Job type: Full-time

Compensation: $17.00 per hour

Shift & Schedule

• 12 Hour Shifts
  • Approximately 168 hours per month 
• 4 days on/4 days off rotation (Night Shift)
• Additional shifts are available for pick-up outside of regularly scheduled rotation 

Location: Parkland County and Surrounding Area (located 20 minutes outside of Edmonton)

ABOUT US 

Join our distinguished team at I Have a Chance Support Services Ltd. (IHACSS) and play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of individuals in our care. We are dedicated to empowering individuals in our care facing mental illness and disabilities. 

We are seeking caregivers who are enthusiastic about facilitating personal growth and proving a high quality of care by supporting recreation, meal planning and preparation, transportation and other daily living activities that encourage growth and wellness to our individuals. 

IHACSS is an accredited community-based organization that provides supported living to individuals with disabilities and complex needs. We strive to support and encourage people en-route to independence: 

• to enhance their abilities and facilitate personal growth
• to achieve a sense of pride and accomplishment, and
• to enhance well-being and quality of life.

By listening, respecting, believing, and empowering, we can help individuals to achieve their goals and dreams.  One step at a time.   

Role Overview

As a support worker within the designated Support Homes and IHACSS programs, the main objective is to provide assistance and guidance to individuals with disabilities and complex needs. By doing so, you must aim to help them achieve their goals in terms of home living, life skills, daily living, and community inclusion. It is essential for you to act as a positive role model and advocate for these individuals, ensuring that they receive the necessary support from I Have a Chance Support Services Ltd. 

Additionally, you aim to educate and empower the individuals you work with by helping them understand their personal rights, as well as the rights of others. You will assist them in recognizing how their behavior can impact others and teach them how to identify and report situations of suspected abuse. 

Another important aspect of your role is to facilitate their understanding, problem-solving, and skill development. By possessing a working knowledge of each individual you support, you must establish healthy boundaries and professional relationships grounded in respect and dignity.

 Lastly, you are here to provide support during times of crisis and challenging behaviors, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of the individuals you work with.

Engaging with therapeutic relationship building with individuals 

• Attending community events daily
• Creating daily recreational opportunities both inside the home and outside 
• Engaging in conversations and providing recreational role modelling 
• Attend the Day Options Program (Mon-Fri) with the individual in care
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant community resources and support
• Actively connect clients with internal and external community support
• Create inclusive, safe and therapeutic relationships 

Role-modeling and supporting daily living skills

• Meal planning and preparation in accordance with the house meal plan and individual in care choice 
• Participating in household meals
• Role-modelling and actively engaging in cooking, cleaning and laundry 
• Promoting personal care and hygiene 
• Serve as an advocate for individuals in care 
• Attend all medical and wellness appointments with individuals in care and advocate on their behalf as required 

Protect and educate individuals in care rights and behaviour support 

• Foster understanding of personal rights and encourage responsible behavior
• Empower individuals to recognize and report unsafe situations
• Facilitate coping strategies and approved behaviour interventions
• Maintain professional boundaries built on respect and integrity
• Manage crisis situations and conflict resolution
• Respond appropriately to intense and unpredictable situations
• Provide support to clients at risk, including those who may display challenging behaviors such as verbal aggression or discriminatory remarks
• Complete daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly reporting 
• Provide crisis support and intervention to individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm 

Key Responsibilities 

Support Individuals in Care Programs and Wellness

• Maintain respectful, professional relationships with individuals in care
• Encourage and support success in Individualized Care Plans (ICP)
• Assist with daily living activities: meal planning/preparation, cleaning, personal care, transportation, laundry
• Promote wellness, independence, and self-care
• Attend and support individuals during appointments and community activities
• Support spiritual, cultural, and personal beliefs and practices
• Educate and support individuals in understanding their rights, responsibilities, and behavioral impacts
• Administer prescribed medications in accordance with IHACSS policy
• Facilitate daily schedules and in-home activities
• Promote inclusion in the community and support relationship development

Promoting Safety and Crisis Support

• Ensure safety in the home and during community outings
• Respond to and support individuals through crisis situations
• Provide behavioral de-escalation, post-incident support, and follow-up
• Identify and report suspected abuse and uphold all IHACSS ethical practices
• Conduct fire drills, home inspections, and hazard control 

Working Conditions 

• This position requires strong emotional resilience, the ability to manage crisis situations, and conflict resolution skills. Support Workers must be prepared to work directly with clients at risk, responding appropriately to intense and unpredictable situations. Some individuals may experience difficulties or impairments that can result in verbal aggression, discriminatory remarks, threats of violence or other challenging behaviors. While annual training is provided, these are considered typical working conditions. 
• Physical effort is minimal, able to lift 50 lbs. routinely. Must be able to walk upstairs, lift items, and support individuals in care with their belongings 
• Employees must be able to drive and adhere to all traffic legislation. Employees will be personally responsible for all traffic violations 
• Employees are responsible for using cleaning supplies and disinfectants daily to ensure Support Homes are kept clean and hazard free in accordance with health standards 
• Employees must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time and complete paperwork and electronic records daily. Use of office equipment is required 
• Employees may be required to sleep at the Support Home (depending on shift requirements). Sleep spaces are provided. 
• To create safe and hazard free living spaces, employees are required to complete routine and regular yard maintenance. This includes, but is not limited to snow/ice removal, cutting the lawn, weed control, debris pick-up and gardening. 

Qualifications 

• Degree or diploma in Human Services, Disability Services, Health Services, Corrections, or a related field (Considered an Asset)
• 1 year of related experience working with the population served.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle
• Clean driver abstract and proof of insurance
• Must be able to drive IHACSS fleet vehicles proficiently
• Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Record Check
• Proficiency in English (reading and writing)
• Strong teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Flexible availability for shift work including weekends, overnights, and on-call
• Understanding of caregiver ethics and individual rights

IHACSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, gender, disability, or background.

Compensation and Benefits 

• $17.00 per hour
• $15 per hour for training and meetings outside of scheduled work shifts 
• $15 per hour for sleep hours 
• Paid Time Off 
• Vacation Pay  
• 60% employer paid benefits including, dental and drug coverage 
• Access to Family Assistance Program 
• Paid in-house training 
• IHACSS provides employees with meals while on shift in accordance with employer policy and procedures
• Regular employee recognition events 
• Opportunities for approved overtime

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