The Program

At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $50 million.

The program is a section 23 classroom, funded by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. It provides the mechanism to support students, with a focus on Indigenous youth at the Kenora Attendance Centre in a holistic way to prepare them for a return to a regular classroom setting or alternatively a post schooling readiness to enter the community as contributing members.

The ultimate objective of the program is to provide re-entry into mainstream classrooms at the High School, which may include a tiered approach into an alternative education setting or the local College with greater developed skill, connectedness and supports.

In Your Role You Will

Direct Service

• Communicate with the Program Management and Section 23 Teacher to assess each youth and design individual program plans for them.

• Communicate effectively, regularly and as appropriate with the Program Management , Section 23 Teacher, Vice-Principal, and/or other staff and parents/guardians, as well as appropriate outside agencies regarding the progress of the student in relation to their individual modified program(s), effects of implementation of special programs and strategies, identification and referral of changes in students’ needs.

• Review and become familiar with the needs and goals of students through review of individual education plans and other relevant resources including participation in appropriate training/professional development sessions.

• Facilitate HUB core programming or other identified promising practices.

• Provide individual and group programming using cognitive behavioural techniques.

• Implement individual program plans and ensure coordination of services for each student.

• Supervise students before, and after school hours, during break periods and lunch hour.

• Provide support to pupils and teacher to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

• Transport the students during field drips and scheduled of out of class activities.

• Oversee initial admission process and participate in discharge planning.

• Facilitate skill building, experiential or activity-based group sessions, such as interpersonal and life skills as reflected in assessments.

• Monitor individual progress toward goals identified in individual program plans and modify plans as necessary to assist students.

• Advocate for the students as appropriate.

• Ensure the safety and well-being of students involved in the program by adhering to agency policies and procedures and taking appropriate action when necessary.

Administrative

• Participate in regular staff meetings and function as an active team member

• Chair local advisory meetings quarterly

• Deliver services according to agency policies and procedures.

• Maintain related documentation using agency-approved software, and provide reports as required.

• Make recommendations to the Program Management regarding program development, policy and procedure formulation and program evaluation.

• Assist with program maintenance, food preparation and expenditure planning.

• Participate in agency committees upon request of the Program Management.

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as required.

Community

• Liaise and work collaboratively with the program advisory committee.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with community service providers and other professionals to coordinate service provision and represent the organization and/or program in external events.
• Represent the agency on community committees as requested by the Program Management .
• Coordinate community involvement in program activities

The Position

Responsible for providing support and intervention to adolescent youth in an educational setting. Provides leadership, role modeling, and skill building activities to students. Responsible for planning, coordinating and facilitating students’ involvement in program components and for addressing overall developmental and social needs in order to modify thinking and behaviour in a positive direction and develop ability to manage their lives.

This position requires membership with UNIFOR.

Scheduling:
One (1) permanent full-time position, with a weekly schedule of 40 hours:

• Monday through Friday, 0800-1600

• This position is based at the program located in Kenora, Ontario. It is NOT a hybrid or remote-based position. The successful candidate will be required to attend the program location for their scheduled shifts each day.

Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks

***Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• Ontario High School Diploma (or equivalent), AS WELL AS, one of the following: Diploma in Teacher Aide Program, Child Care Worker Program, Developmental Services Worker Program, Children’s Services Program or Early Childhood Education Program, or an equivalent diploma or certificate program as determined by the agency.

• Minimum of two years experience in community based youth justice programs or youth/family interventions.

• Current First Aid and CPR certificates required.

• Valid class G driver’s license and proof of insurability as a driver, as well as reliable transportation

Other requirements:

• Ability to use common computer applications required.
• Completion of in-service/safety training as applicable to the role
• Ongoing professional development activities as applicable to the position.

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength-based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we're building a company we're proud of.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends

• Work/life balance

• Learning and career development opportunities

• Competitive wages and salaries

• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees

• Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia

• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Ontario

• Professional development opportunities and job-related training

• Employee and Family Assistance Program

• Long Service Milestone rewards

• Employee referral bonus program

• A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Please apply.

Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Website reference

For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website: taproot.ca

Closing Statement

We recognize that equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an important element in our work and in our day to day lives.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.