FULL-TIME Direct Support Worker

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.

We are looking for an experienced Direct Support Worker to join our team. 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.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a strong commitment to person directed support and the vision of KW Habilitation. 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
• Extended health care coverage, Registered Pension Plan, and optional RRSP
• 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

• Post-secondary education related to Human Services, completed or on-going
• Ability to implement positive behaviour approaches, work as an integral part of the team, and demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills
• Able to demonstrate creative problem-solving, decision-making, initiative, resilience, and collaboration
• Commitment to providing person directed support; must believe in an inclusive community, fostering independence, and advocating for others to have their own voice
• Experience working / volunteering with people who have a developmental disability
• The successful candidate will have strong organizational, housekeeping/cleaning, communication skills; knowledge of KWH administration procedures is an asset
• A comfort level with intimate personal care and skills in providing direct personal care and positive behavioural support
• Current Emergency First Aid, NVCI, and computer skills are also essential; additional training is provided by KW Habilitation
• A valid driver's license. This position requires access to a personal vehicle to transport to the location. The location is in the country and is not within walking distance of a bus route.

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-Friday, 2pm-10pm, 4pm-12am – weekly rotation

Start Date: January 12, 2025

Rate of Pay: $44,532.80 – $49,483.20

Applicants must submit a résumé and cover letter online with a summary of relevant qualifications and reason for interest in this position by December 24, 2025.

To apply, please visit our Job Application page

Please address the cover letter to the location Manager:

ATTN: Dani Purves – 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.