Direct Support Person

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region•Waterloo, ON

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

As a Direct Support Person, you are one of the key front line support providers who engage in establishing a positive relationship with the people we support. You are motivated to help people reach their goals and foster their independence while also respecting the person’s thoughts and feelings and dignity. You are guided by compassion, care and responsibility. You readily display these attitudes and ideals in your relationship with the person being supported and in your representation of EAFWR as an organization wherever you are. EAFWR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systemic barriers and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not meet/exceed the requirements listed in a posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, and candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to apply. Candidates are encouraged to seek accommodations to support their application.

Requirements

Secondary school diploma OR some secondary school with related experience
Minimum eighteen years of age
Valid G2 license and a reliable vehicle is an important asset – Not all roles require a vehicle, but many of them do
Experience working with individuals in the Developmental Services Sector and/or working with individuals with a developmental and/or a physical disability is an asset
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Must be reliable and dependable, punctual and committed
Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
Able to commit a minimum of 1 year to this role and to people and families served
Demonstrate threshold and core competencies outlined for DSP’s

Nice To Haves

Flexibility – How can I provide what the situation needs?
Self-Control – How do I demonstrate poise under pressure?
Self-Development – How do I continually improve my skills and knowledge?
Service Orientation – How have I given the best service with the best options that I can?
Valuing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) – How am I an authentic ambassador of my organization’s values and principles? Am I showing respect and striving to understand the customs, values, and cultures of the people with whom I interact?
Advocacy - How can I get others to understand the importance of this issue and support this point of view?
Building Relationships - How do I nurture cooperative relationships to build rapport and trust with others?
Facilitating Growth & Development - How can I help others reach their goals and embrace their independence and their autonomy?
Problem-Solving & Decision Making - How can I/we think about or do this differently?
Resilience - How am I staying optimistic about our goals and positively enhancing the situation?

Responsibilities

Plan and implement supports /activities designed to assist the person being supported in achieving goals outlined in the funding contract
Establish and maintain a respectful relationship with the person being supported
Engage in open and honest communication with the person being supported, their family and the designated Support Coordinator
Be aware of and adhere to EAFWR’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and maintain a safe work environment for yourself and the person being supported
Maintain awareness of and adherence to EAFWR procedures dealing with serious and/or unusual incidents
Maintain awareness of and adherence to relevant guidelines, policies and procedures
Promote the growth of an organizational culture that is both inclusive and anti-oppressive
Participate in training and staff development as requested/required
Provide documents relevant to the position as requested by EAFWR