Youth Supported Independent Living - Direct Support Worker(Term)

Job summary

The Direct Support Worker provides 24/7 support to youth in a specialized home, focusing on life skills development, behavior management, and community integration. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, medication administration, and maintaining accurate documentation while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Job details

Youth Supported Independent Living - Direct Support Worker (Term) New Directions is a social service agency offering a wide range of resources and services that foster people’s hopes and dreams in their communities. The Youth Supported Independent Living Program, offers supports for youth who have develop more basic skills to live independently with supports and are interested in starting to live more independently as they continue working towards their adult life goals (i.e., work, education, relationships, self-care, life in community, etc.), and solidify their independent living skills (i.e., fully manage their budget, keep up with work and education responsibilities independently, use community resources, take care of their mental and physical health, connect with significant others and community meaningfully). We are currently seeking Youth Care Workers for a specialized home that is designed to assist children and youth to develop life skills, social skills and/or access community resources. Individual care and guidance is provided to align with the needs of the child/youth to assist with mental health issues, behavioral challenges, or addictions. We provide stabilization through predictable structures, clear expectations and positive behavior support. Supports are provided 24 hours, 7 days a week, in fast-paced shift staffed homes operated by New Directions. Position details: Due to specific support needs at this time, preference will be given to female-presenting applicants. Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to): * Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team * Demonstrate skills in basic counselling, crisis intervention, conflict resolution and problem solving * Provide support with daily life skills, social skills and /or behaviour management. * Assist with building skills in basic cooking, money management, shopping, and safety skills. * Facilitate physical, recreational, educational, social and vocational activities, and maintain liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials and the community. * Accompany and/or transport individuals to activities such as appointments, shopping, school, employment or leisure activities. * Recognize, analyze and deal with potential emergency situations such as individuals’ aggressive behaviour to minimize potential harm to the person and/or the public. * Administer medication to individuals in accordance with established policies and procedures. * Actively engage in harm reduction approaches * Ensure health and safety standards are maintained * Attend to the physical, emotional, and medical needs of the children or youth * Ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate Qualifications: * High School Diploma or equivalent. Preference will be given to candidates with post-secondary education in the area(s) of disability services, Youth Care Worker, and/or mental health * Minimum two (2) years experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or cognitive disabilities. Varying experience and education may be considered * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * ASIST and/or Mental Health Training considered an asset * Demonstrated understanding of Trauma Informed Care * A valid Class 5 driver’s license is a requirement for this position The salary range for this Full-time, 2-year term 80-hour bi-weekly position is $17.32 to $23.38 per hour, dependent upon education and/or experience. This position is eligible for a full benefit package (which includes Health and Dental Benefits, Long Term Disability Benefits, and a Pension Plan). The successful candidate will be subject to Criminal Record Check, Adult and Child Abuse Registry Check, Prior Contact Checks; and must supply a satisfactory driver’s safety rating. The closing date for all application is September 30th, 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest in New Directions, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Unfortunately, we cannot accept telephone inquiries. New Directions is committed to equity and diversity and especially welcomes applications from persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and newcomers to Canada. We strive for a skilled workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we support and contributes to the diversification of ideas. Accommodations for accessibility purposes are available for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

What you’ll do

The Direct Support Worker provides 24/7 support to youth in a specialized home, focusing on life skills development, behavior management, and community integration. Responsibilities include crisis intervention, medication administration, and maintaining accurate documentation while ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Requirements

Candidates must have a High School Diploma, with preference given to those with post-secondary education in disability services or mental health. A minimum of two years of experience and a valid Class 5 driver's license are required.

Benefits

• Health Benefits • Dental Benefits • Long Term Disability Benefits • Pension Plan

Listed skills

• crisis intervention · Preferred
• Problem solving · Preferred
• Budgeting · Preferred
• Documentation · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Crisis Intervention
• Conflict Resolution
• Problem Solving
• Life Skills Coaching
• Behavior Management
• Medication Administration
• Harm Reduction
• Trauma Informed Care
• Communication Skills
• Documentation
• Counseling
• Safety Planning
• Budgeting
• Community Resource Liaison
• Management
• Valid Driver's License
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Mental Health
• Cooking
• Social Skills
• Leisure And Recreation
• Disabilities
• Health And Safety Standards
• Positive Behavior Support
• Life Skills Development
• Health Maintenance
• Trauma Informed Approaches
• Diversification (Investing)
• Money Management

Job areas

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Education
• Direct Support Worker
• Caregiver / Personal Care Aide
• Companions and Valets
• Personal Care Aides
• Home Health and Personal Care Aides