DS-U24-43 Senior Developmental Service Worker

ABOUT US

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization, and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Job Class

Union

Department

Developmental Services: Transitional Aged Youth Home 

Location

Toronto ON

Status

Full-Time, Permanent

Pay Rate

$60,436.66 per annum

Vacancy Number

DS-U24-43

Number of vacancies

 5

Available

December 2024 

Hours/Shifts

·  40 hours per week, rotating day and evening and weekend shifts

·  This position requires on-call coverage for our 24 hour homes, shared on a rotating basis

Schedules are subject to change to meet operational needs.

Developmental Services’ TAY home is a supported living program that provides for transitional aged youth (TAY) with developmental disabilities, to support their transition from the child welfare system and assist in developing identified life skills pertinent for the individual’s life stage. Our TAY Home offers a unique and innovative approach to skills training, providing an inclusive and supportive home where individuals can create and achieve their own unique goals. 

Requirements

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

Needs Analysis

• Collaborate with individuals with developmental disabilities to develop goals, goal plans and strategies to support those goals that align with the individual’s unique needs and enhance their capacity to live independently;

• Conduct effective needs analysis in collaboration with the individual supported that identify the unique needs of the individual;

Service Delivery

• Support the delivery of services and supports according to goal plans that foster an effective transition to independent living based on the individual’s unique needs;
• Locate programs, services, housing and employment opportunities for individuals supported  that align with goal plans;

• Work effectively with other members of the TAY staff to develop strategies and implement therapeutic programming;
• Provide direction to Level 1 and Level 2 TAY Support Workers in the areas of program delivery in the areas of goal achievement and activities of daily living;
• Ensure the appropriate personal and physical care, crisis response, counselling and emotional support are provided in an effective, trauma informed manner.

Program Development

• Support development of programs both within and outside of the home  and implement life skills facilitation that enable individuals to live and integrate into the community independently;

• Ensure program plans that are developed and implemented which promote independent living, are based on individual’s needs/goals, reflects high level of learning, and planned in discussion and collaboration with the Supervisor;
• Successful facilitation of life skills programming, either one on one or in group settings, based on Individual’s needs, goals and support plan, and within the set timelines and standards;
• Participate in assessing the long-term service needs of individuals supported and the program.

Community Outings

• Provide supports for individuals to enable them to actively participate in community activities and/or recreational outings in a safe manner;

• Community outings, appointments, and activities are carefully planned and in accordance with individual’s needs, safety protocols, available resources, and programming; and promote social inclusion.

Crisis Management

• Reduce safety incidents  through a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behaviour and identify before, during and after behaviour through appropriate collection of objective, accurate information on an individual’s behaviour as required, in, including the implementation of the debrief process as per established SMG and funder guidelines;

• Proper and consistent application of Individual’s Behaviour Support Plans and Safe Management,  in case of crisis or when dealing with challenging behaviour.

Program and Administrative Duties

• Written materials and/or correspondence are professional, clearly written  and reflects the philosophy of the agency and department and the privacy of the individuals in service;

• Monitor Finances for individual supported, where required as per established policies and practices
• Support staff scheduling, as needed
• On-call duties, as assigned

WHO YOU ARE

Education/Experience

• Post Secondary diploma / degree in the Social Services and/or Developmental Services or degree/diploma in non-related area and two years experience in developmental services
• Valid First Aid and Safe Management certifications.
• Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Minimum two (2) years of recent work-related experience in the following areas:

o   Working directly with individuals with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis;

o   Experience with case management;

o   Experience supporting youth involved in the child welfare system; 

o   Experience working from a trauma-informed and harm reduction approach;

o    Direct experience engaging with diverse populations and an ability to apply a culturally responsive lens to all interactions, including program implementation and capacity-building with young people;

o  Understanding of the Social Inclusion Act and the Act for the Supports of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2008); 

• Working knowledge of the Developmental Services Sector;

Skills/Abilities

• Working knowledge of the Developmental Services Sector.
• Proven individual and group facilitation skills leading to individuals increasing independence related to activities of daily living;
• Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to individuals and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and risk;
• Program planning skills to implement, evaluate and modify new and existing programs, as needed;
• Proven understanding of Trauma-Informed Care practices;
• Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse challenging situations. Ability to work well under pressure to ensure minimal interruption in service delivery;
• Written communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear, concise manner;
• Verbal skills, in English to communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear concise manner;

Nice to Have’s:

• Ability to communicate in French verbally and in written form

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard.

Completion of satisfactory, professional references, background checks, and proof of education are requirements of employment.

The Deadline for Applications is November 29, 2024 at 4PM. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document. You must also include the vacancy number in the subject line of your email when applying.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community, and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.