Residential Counsellor, Prime Worker

Position Purpose summary:

As a local expression of The Salvation Army in Canada, Broadview Village has 40+ years of providing outstanding support to adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, and we are currently hiring a Full-Time Residential Counsellors, Prime Worker. This position reports to the Residential Manager and is currently assigned to work in the Toronto, Ontario (Yonge Street & Wilson Avenue) area. This is a full-time position that works 40 hours per week, currently scheduled Monday - Friday, Mornings, Afternoons, Evenings, and Weekends, flexible to meet program needs. Location and hours of work may change based on organizational and programmatic needs.

This position requires someone who has a passion for and takes initiative in the creation and implementation of programming in areas such as: personal care & hygiene, advocacy and community integration. The capacity to work collaboratively within a team is required, as well as with a large number of stakeholders including: healthcare professionals, consultants, colleagues, community members, family members and friends. This position also requires a resilient direct support professional who is confident in navigating conflict, overcoming obstacles, and who is creative in providing support to individuals in crisis.

The Residential Counsellor must ensure that their activities are in compliance with established legislation, and policies and procedures including: Employment Standards; Occupational Health & Safety Standards; Collective Agreements; Payroll Procedures; Salvation Army Accreditation; and Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA).

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Creating support protocols, completing behavioural and mental health assessments, and ensuring completion of medical assessments and reports
• Providing support for residents’ personal development including creating individual support planning (ISP) documents and monthly follow up Program Review Documents.
• Functioning as prime advocate for residents and facilitating self-advocacy to community supports in collaboration with colleagues and other healthcare professionals
• Collecting and analyzing data and anecdotal information to continually develop optimal support plans
• Overseeing resident personal belonging inventories
• Medication administration and coordination of health/medical appointments
• Providing financial support to residents in payment of expenses as well as maintaining accurate & timely records of resident finances
• Ensuring learning opportunities are provided utilizing agency and community resources. Includes planning and participating in community outings and daytime/weekend trips, etc.
• Fostering independence in residents including supervising and assisting residents with meal preparation & clean-up
• Maintaining cleanliness of program site, ensuring health and safety protocols are closely followed
• Providing orientation and/or support to co-workers, students, volunteers and/or family members
• Following and promoting the agency’s and House program goal and philosophy
• Other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to dirt, bodily fluids, bodily waste
• Noise
• Dealing with angry and abusive people
• Handling garbage
• Verbal abuse
• Odours
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs. and apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completed 2-3 year Developmental Services Worker Diploma or other equivalent degree/diploma related to human services
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR, Level C
• Ability to achieve Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certificate upon hire
• It is an expectation of the role to be certified in Standard First Aid/ CPR and NCI and use it in practice on a regular basis
• A clear vulnerable sector screening, completed no less than 2 months prior to date of hire
• Valid driver’s license an asset, and clean driver’s abstract required

• Ability to successfully complete all mandatory training as required by the agency

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Preferred minimum 2-5 years’ experience working with people with developmental disabilities and preferably working with individuals who have a dual diagnosis of mental health challenges and developmental disabilities
• Experience with writing, implementing and updating Individual Support Planning
• Strong counselling/de-escalation support skills required
• Medication administration experience preferred

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check withvulnerable sector screening, completed no less than 2 months prior to date of hire.

• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

In support of our commitment to a healthy and safe workplace and community, The Salvation Army (TSA) has a vaccination requirement for all new employees within the Province of Ontario, Social Services sector. The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on the condition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, prior to their employment start date. The requirement to be fully vaccinated is subject to provincial human rights legislation. If the candidate is unable to vaccinate for a reason protected by the Human Rights Code, a request for accommodation can be submitted and written proof satisfactory to TSA will be required.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process. If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

This is a Bargaining Unit position represented by OPSEU Local 550