I Have A Chance Support Services Ltd.

Behaviour Support Worker (BSW) 

Job type: Full-time

Compensation: $20.34 per hour  

Shift & Schedule

• 12 Hour Shifts 
  1. Approximately 168 hours per month 
• Employees work rotating schedules of either 2 days on/2 days off or 4 days on/4 days off, covering 12-hour day and overnight awake shifts (9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.–9:00 a.m.)
• Multiple opportunities are available
• 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 with I Have A Chance Support Services Ltd., you will play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities and complex needs in achieving their goals related to home living, including:  

Engaging with therapeutic relationship building with individuals 

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

Role-modeling and supporting daily living skills

1. Meal planning and preparation in accordance with the house meal plan and individual in care choice 
2. Participating in household meals
3. Role-modelling and actively engaging in cooking, cleaning and laundry 
4. Promoting personal care and hygiene 
5. Serve as an advocate for individuals in care 
6. 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 behavior support 

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

Key Responsibilities 

 Supporting individuals in care programs and wellness 

• Assist individuals with household maintenance, personal health, relationships, finances, community inclusion, and designated programs.
• Complete regular household duties including, cooking, cleaning and laundry 
• Encourage and facilitate individuals in achieving their Individualized Care Plans (ICP).
• Ensure the safety of individuals in their homes and communities and address any concerns or crisis situations.
• Educate individuals on their rights, as well as the impact of their behavior on others and how to report suspected abuse.
• Support individuals in practicing their belief systems, faith, religion, and culture.
• Assist individuals in developing healthy and positive relationships. IHACSS is a LGBTQ2S+ ally. 
• Promote community inclusion and help individuals become active and valued members of the community.
• Administer prescribed medications.
• Participate in training, maintain certifications, and support audits and accreditation processes as required.
• Facilitate individualized harm reduction programs 
• Transport individuals to appointments and community programming 

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 

• Employee 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 

• Employee may be required to sleep at the Support Home (depending on shift requirements). Sleep spaces are provided. 

• In order 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 Health Services, Human Services, Disability Services, Correctional Services or a relevant field 

• Two years of related experience working with the adult population served.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.  All positions are outside of Edmonton. Employees are expected to be able to attend all scheduled work shifts during times of inclement weather.

• Clean driver abstracts and document proof of insurance. Employees must be able to drive agency fleet vehicles with proficiency. 

• Minimum of 3 years of driving experience in Canada.

• Vulnerable sector check and child intervention record check.  

• Proficiency in English reading and writing skills.

• Demonstrated aptitude in working with diverse populations. 

• Proficiency in collaborative teamwork. 

• Experience working in a community-based, supported living environment is an asset 

• Understanding of harm reduction and relevant practices 

• Flexibility to accommodate various shifts, including weekends and overnights

• Capacity to work in dynamic and high-pressure environments 

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 

• $20.34 per hour 
• $15 per hour for trainings 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