Community Disability Worker, Sherwood Park:

One Saturday Per Month, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Role and Responsibilities

• Understand and practice all RHA Policies and Procedures, practices and operational protocols, including purpose statements, ethical standards and guidelines, restrictive procedures, abuse and medical protocols, Alberta Accommodation Standards, Alberta Health Services standards, Municipal Fire Standards, Service Quality Policy and Management System, Occupational Health & Safety Standards and HSMS, and Creating Excellence Together (CET) Standards and Accreditation.
• Adhere to RHA Code of Ethics.
• Professional conduct and appearance befitting a representative of RHA, which will include good performance related to personnel policies, such as attendance, punctuality and conflict resolution.
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Promote safe environments by regularly checking for and reporting any hazards that may have developed in the maintenance, design, and/or function of physical space. When hazards are identified, staff will ensure the safety of themselves and/or individuals to avoid the risk.
• Be awake, aware, and vigilant throughout duration of shifts, unless assigned to a sleep shift (and paid accordingly).
• Due to the nature of work supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, all employees of the Robin Hood Association are required to possess a minimal standard level of physical capability. The ability to meet these physical job demands will ensure safety both for the employee and the individuals receiving service.
• All employees may be required to work in any program area during staffing shortages or emergencies or to better support the needs of the individuals or program.

Specific responsibilities:

• Implement individual service plans designed to support and assist adults, youth and children with individual development, community support/development, behavior management and/or personal care
• Provide direct care and services to individuals as scheduled. To communicate in advance to direct supervisor for all changes and/or absences of scheduled shifts.
• Assist and support individuals to participate in a meaningful way in their personal life planning, in the identification and definition of personal goals and aspirations, and in the definition and expansion of opportunities for personal growth, and meaningful and valued roles within the community. This includes following the individual’s leads, and/or the leads of the family – particularly for minor children or dependent adults, to accommodate and support the individual’s personal goals and aspirations to the extent possible.
• Assist and support individuals in the establishment and maintenance of shared, respectful relationships within the community, with a view to meaningful participation and inclusion. This includes assisting and encouraging individuals to participate effectively in employment, volunteer, recreation, leisure, life skills and other social settings.
• Awareness of the individual’s physical, social and recreational environments; taking action to minimize risks and maximize participation/inclusion; and, referring complex situations to more experienced resources when appropriate.
• If working a sleep shift, to be available to assist and provide for the needs of the individuals during the night based on their individual needs. Employees working during a sleep shift are at times required to be awake,responsive and serving individuals as needed.” Some individuals need medications or toileting and some exhibit target behaviours.
• Understanding of community issues and opportunities, assisting and supporting the individual with general access to and participation in the community, including transportation training and support.
• Provide transportation to individuals in personal vehicles where required by program/individual needs.
• Model socially appropriate behaviors (for both the individual and the community), and assisting and encouraging the individual to make and maintain appropriate community connections.
• Work in the community to open doors and provide access/participation opportunities, as well as being alert to alternate avenues for generic services that may be available to the individual.
• Assist, support and encourage individuals to achieve their personal goals through the development of basic living and related skills, with a view to enhancing the individual’s confidence, competence and participation within their social network (community, social, recreational, etc.). This includes both supporting the individual’s life skill development and, particularly in the case of services to children, academic skill development; and, modeling the desired actions and behaviors.
• Assist individuals to develop personal home living skills and, when required, participating directly in the care and maintenance of the individual’s home living environment.
• Assist with the direct care of high needs and/or medically fragile individuals, as required.
• Maintain clear and objective records and preparing required reports and other documentation.
• Communicate in a professional, timely, accurate and respectful manner with individuals, families, guardians, staff and community representatives.
• Implement recommendations and procedures from Supervisors, Professionals and Resource Team.
• Understand and demonstrate a respect of individual’s rights and responsibilities.
• Encourage and monitor good nutrition; implement individual dietary plans; support and monitor breaks; ensure cleanliness and sanitation for individuals.
• Assist with providing information, support and feedback to new individuals and their family/guardian through orientation; assist with completion of checklist as required.
• Identify, analyze, resolve and report issues of concern directly and/or to a supervisory; access support when needed.
• Initiate and complete personal skill improvement through advanced training, workshops, readings, mandatory and optional courses.
• Select, recognize, interpret and respond with effective communication methods and techniques (body language, non-verbal cues, behavior, and active listening skills).
• Assist with the relief staff, volunteers, and practicum student’s orientations, answer questions and provide appropriate feedback.
• Participate in team and general meetings. Provide feedback as necessary for evaluations of practicum students, relief staff and volunteers.
• Recommend changes to Policies and Procedures.
• May be given additional responsibilities as need arises and as requested by Supervisor, Program Manager or Director

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Post-Secondary Preferred
• Foundations in Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies
• Completion of Mandatory Training Courses and Designated Mandatory Training as required
• Basic coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to employ various approaches.
• Effective communication skills
• Effective time management skills and the ability to balance competing demands/priorities and deal with competing opinions. This includes knowing when it is appropriate to ask for assistance or refer to more experienced staff.
• The ability to work various shift schedules and in physically/emotionally challenging situations, if required
• Positive attitude and mature work ethic coupled with an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to set priorities and complete tasks in a timely fashion.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrate willingness to learn new concepts; be flexible and to work as an effective team player
• Exhibit attributes of a positive attitude, including a willingness to receive and provide feedback.
• Strong computer, organization, and communication skills.