Respite Support Staff

Respite Support Staff

Respite Support Staff provide care for children, youth, and adults with a diagnosed intellectual disability. Services include Centre-Based Respite, Residential Care, Summer Programs, and Day Programs.

Accountabilities:

• Responsible to ensure the needs of program participants are met i.e. physically, emotionally, medically, and behaviorally.
• Contribute to the planning and facilitation of recreation & leisure activities, volunteer opportunities, and skill building opportunities appropriate to age, skill level, interests, and goals.
• Advocate on behalf of the program participants to promote health and well-being.
• Provide personal care to participants as required.
• Provide intervention for any behavioral challenges.
• Liaise with parents, caregivers, volunteers, and community supports/partners as required.
• Responsible for the transportation of participants in program vehicles.
• Prepare and distribute meals, snacks/nourishments as outlined on the approved menu.
• Complete house maintenance duties as well as the general organization and maintenance of property and program supplies.
• Responsible for dispensing medication and ensuring that all medication charting is completed in compliance with established agency policies, as required.
• Required to complete safety checks, logbook recordings, as required.

Communication/Administration:

• Ensure proper recording in the daily log, shift change book, incident reports, restraint forms, etc.
• Report any identified needs to team members, Respite Program Supervisor/Director and/or On-Call designate and parent/usual caregiver.
• Maintenance and updating of participant records and other program documentation.

Human Resources:

• Provide support and direction to casual/relief staff, new staff/volunteers/students.
• Assume shift coordinator tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet program requirements.
• Some travel is associated with this position.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent lifting, twisting, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Walking and standing for long periods.
• Some kneeling, running may be required.
• Work within the legal standards of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008).

Normal hours of work: Wednesday to Friday day shifts, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes a ½ hour paid meal break.

Education, Qualifications, and Certifications:

• Completed two (2) years of Community College in related education (Developmental Service Worker diploma, Child and Youth Worker diploma or equivalent) in the area of developmental disabilities.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Valid Ontario Class "G" Driver's License is required, current original copy of driver's abstract, which is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, also required.
• Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification.
• Current First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Current Safe Food Handling Certification.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of prior work experience in a social services setting providing direct care to children, youth, and adults who have intellectual disabilities; dealing with crises.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills, and respect authority.
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products is required - i.e. Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint; Email and Internet etc.
• Fluent French verbal and written communication skills are an asset.

Normal location of work: 1340 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 3B6

Compensation: The target hiring range for this position is $18.99 to $23.73 with a maximum of $28.48. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.