Employment Opportunity – Participant Support Worker (Permanent Part-Time, 60 hrs bi-weekly)

In accordance with Article 21.01(a) of the Collective Agreement, we are posting the following vacancy:

PARTICIPANT SUPPORT WORKER (PERMANENT PART-TIME-60 HOURS BI-WEEKLY)

Wage Rate: As per Collective Agreement ($17.65 probationary/$18.95 position)

Job Summary: The Participant Support Worker works collaboratively with the Residential Counsellor to support individual and small group programming within the home and in the community.

Key Areas of Responsibilities: Work a regular schedule of shifts during awake hours assigned to a specific group home. May be scheduled to support a specific participant on a routine basis. Using the Individual Program Plan, works with the Residential Counsellor to plan and carry out various activities in support of the annual IPP goals. Support individuals and small groups of participants in individual choices including activities within the home and within the community. In conjunction/consultation with the Residential Counsellor help to motivate and organize activities within the home that contribute to skill development socialization, and constructive use of leisure time. Support participants in attending activities and events in the community as identified by the participants that address leisure, recreational, cultural, and spiritual interests and needs. Assist individual participants with specific experiences related to skill development including activities of daily living, household chores, banking, self care skills, cooking and food preparation. Contribute to household documentation. Administer medications. Provide support to other homes as required including emergency situations, behavioral issues and gender specific personal care requirements. Attend and participate in all meetings related to the department, the home, and participants living in the home as part of the residential team.

Qualifications: University degree preferred or a graduate of a recognized college Human Service Worker program. Achievement of the 7 Provincial Core Competencies mandated by the NS Department of Community Services. (Fire & Life Safety, Health & Personal Care, Medication Awareness, Individualized Planning, Crisis Intervention, Behavioral Supports, Standard First Aid/CPR.) Experience working with or supporting people living with a disability including demonstrated experience developing appropriate relationships in a helping or support capacity. Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills including the ability to support alternative communication strategies. Ability to work independently without constant supervision/direction; proven effective oral and written communication skills; current Standard First Aid/CPR certification; Valid NS Drivers’ Abstract acceptable to our Insurer.  Required to obtain Class 4 license within 4 months of hire.

Work Environment: Involves regular scheduled shifts generally between 9:00 am and 10:00 pm on both weekdays and weekends as required by job duties. Occasionally there are crisis situations that may place the safety and well-being of our staff and participants in jeopardy (severe behaviors, suicide threats and attempts, verbal and physical acting out.) Lifting related to household activities (groceries, laundry, clearing snow) and supporting participants, their specialized equipment, and associated activities. Frequency of using stairs is high.  Work locations will involve the group home, the community, and including venues, events, and activities related to participant goals and choices. Operation of a wheelchair accessible bus and/or smaller passenger vans required. Exposure to behavioral outbursts, bodily fluids, and potentially contagious illnesses and ailments.

Submit a current resume and cover letter by September 25 at 2:00 PM to:

Joanne DeLong

Financial/HR Coordinator

South Shore Community Service Association

P.O. Box 560

Chester, Nova Scotia     B0J 1J0

Fax: 902-275-2567

Email: jdelong@bonnyleafarm.ca

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Posted: September 15, 2017