Part-Time Direct Support Professional

Rygiel Supports for Community Living•Hamilton, ON

17h•CA$27 - CA$27•Onsite

About The Position

At Rygiel Supports for Community Living, we build community by supporting people with developmental disabilities to live full, inclusive, and empowered lives. Our work is guided by values of Respect, Awareness, Integrity, Person-Centered practice, and Community. As a Direct Support Professional, you will join a compassionate and collaborative team that puts people first, where your efforts are seen, your voice is valued, and your work has purpose. The Direct Support Professional provides direct, person-directed support to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities living in Rygiel’s inclusive living homes. Working under the direction of the Supervisor, Interdisciplinary Service Evolution, and as part of a coordinated interdisciplinary team, this role helps each person supported build on their strengths, work toward their goals, and participate meaningfully in the life of their community. Our practice is grounded in harm reduction and trauma-informed care, understanding behavior as communication, and prioritizing autonomy and well-being. The Direct Support Professional brings patience, consistency, and clinical curiosity to this work and contributes to an environment in which people feel secure enough to grow.

Requirements

Social services related diploma or degree (DSW, SSW, PSW or related) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience supporting adults or transitional-age youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities, dual diagnosis, mental health needs, or responsive behaviours.
Strong listening/communication skills, writing and reporting skills, and documentation.
Proficient computer skills including a demonstrated ability to work with AIMS and Microsoft Office products.
Knowledge of alternative communication that will be directed by the individual supported (ie: Blissymbolics, SIGN language, Pic Symbols), where applicable.
Ability to understand non-verbal and Gestural language where applicable.
Ability to communicate effectively with families while continuing to support relationships.
Available to work days, evenings, and weekends; willingness to be flexible, reliable and adjust schedules as required by the person(s) being supported and their personal schedule(s).
Standard First Aid and CPR Level C.
A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check, dated within the last six months.
A 2-Step TB Test, or a negative Chest X-ray, dated within the last six months.

Nice To Haves

A valid Ontario G driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle is preferred and considered an asset.
Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Assist with daily living routines, including personal care, meals, and household responsibilities, in ways that uphold dignity and build independence.
Create a calm, predictable, and inclusive home environment by working closely with a team to ensure residents feel safe and valued.
Put positive behaviour strategies into practice through Behaviour Support Plans created and overseen by Registered Behaviour Analysts, drawing on evidence-informed approaches such as Positive Behaviour Support and reinforcement-based strategies.
Support each person to develop communication, coping, and emotional regulation skills. This includes observing and recording behavioural data such as frequency, duration, and ABC charting, and contributing to the identification of triggers and patterns that inform ongoing planning.
Draw on proactive de-escalation strategies and maintain a calm, regulated presence in higher-risk situations or periods of escalation.
Support each person toward greater independence at a pace that is right for them, with an emphasis on life skills, harm reduction, and mental health; with each person’s safety, dignity, and right to self-determination at the centre.
Help people develop and practise life skills, from cooking and budgeting to self-advocacy.
Recognize early indicators of mental health distress or behavioural change using trauma-informed and recovery-oriented practices.
Foster an environment that supports emotional regulation, autonomy, and safety.
Work to open doors to the community, supporting people to take part in employment, education, recreation, faith, volunteering, and social life in ways that reflect their interests, strengths, and goals.
Help to nurture meaningful relationships and a genuine sense of belonging.
Provide medication administration support in accordance with Rygiel policy and regulatory requirements.
Support people to attend appointments and pursue their health goals while respecting their choices.
Monitor wellbeing, raising any concerns with your Supervisor and the wider team.
Contribute observations and insight as an active member of the team around each person, collaborating with clinical partners including Registered Behaviour Analysts, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers.
Take part in team meetings, case reviews, and interdisciplinary planning.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including behavioural data, incident reports, progress notes, and plan implementation records, using our electronic documentation systems.
Support compliance with the Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) and agency policy.