POSITION

Title: Support Services Worker

Location(s): Guelph

Reports to: Manager, Respite and Residential Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Support Services Worker works as a professional within a clinical multidisciplinary team that follows a biopsychosocial model of treatment and intervention for children, youth, and adults with complex developmental, physical, and emotional challenges. They assist with household management tasks and essential activities of daily living in accordance with the care/service plan of each supported individual. They consider the preferences, comfort, and safety of multiple stakeholders (the individual, family, and care partners) in the provision of all support. A significant role of the Behavioral Support Worker is implementing behavior support plans and supporting individuals who are experiencing challenging moments.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support individuals to live independently, encourage and engage individuals in meaningful activities such as being involved in leisure, recreational or work activities. For example:

o Provide individuals with communication assistance, typing their correspondence or obtaining information on their behalf.

o Observe, assess, and report changes in individuals’ behaviours, physical abilities, and activities.

• Support independence with daily living programs (toileting, feeding, grooming etc.):

o Instruct, advise, or support individuals on managing household cleanliness, grooming hygiene, nutrition, and other personal care needs.

o Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.

o Provide transportation to individuals via association or public transit.

• Maintain knowledge of current best practices in the field of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) through training:

o Provide direct and indirect client interventions based on empirically sound principles of ABA.

o Follow and implement all Behaviour Support Plans including completion of data collection, set up environment and reporting to Senior Behaviour Therapist.

• Provide personal care support according to directions on the established care plan or best practice:

o 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.

o Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs, dispensing medication, as directed by a primary care physician, pharmacist, or other regulated health care professionals.

o Be familiar with and follow medication procedures and manage medication as per protocols:

o Receive and properly execute the training received on:

• G-tube feeding which is individual specific

• Medication dispensing

• Demonstrate effective communication skills:

o Effectively use the communication log to record necessary information to be shared with all team members.

o Professionally communicate in writing and in person with other team members, support individuals, family members and community partners: demonstrating respect and interest in other’s opinions and insights.

ACCOUNTABILITY

• 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.
• Each staff member is required to keep up to date all training as required, request additional support and guidance if unsure of how to manage a situation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

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:

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.
• 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 ensuring all mandatory training requirements are met and maintained.

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 team leader or manager.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES

• Work flexible hours within a variety of settings as required by the changing needs of the program and the people we support.
• When required, must be able to undertake the lifting of people following guidelines for proper back care, lifting, and transferring as
• required by the program.
• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities, dual diagnoses, and complex behavioral needs.
• University or college degree/diploma in a relevant field.
• Must have a valid class G driver's license.

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.

Experience

Preferred

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

Education

Preferred

• College Certificate (1 year or less) or better

Licenses & Certifications

Required

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