DS-U26-29 Residential Counsellor

Springboard•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Developmental Services residential programs provide home life skills training and transition planning to males with developmental disabilities/dual diagnosis, 18 years of age, and older. The position encompasses supports, and counselling, life skills facilitation, safety and security, crisis management, administrative, clerical, and facilities up-keep duties.

Requirements

Post-Secondary diploma/degree in the Social Services field, e.g., i.e. BSW, BA, DSW, SSW.
Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
Valid First Aid/CPR and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI Training) Certifications.
Minimum two (2) years of recent work-related experience in the Developmental Service sector in the following areas: Working directly with individuals with a developmental disability or dual diagnosis, supports and counselling, life skills facilitation, community supports and safe management.
Thorough understanding of the Social Inclusion Act and the Act for the Supports of Persons with Developmental Disabilities (2008).
Working knowledge of the Developmental Services Sector.
Knowledge of community resources, both internal and external.
Individual and group facilitation skills leading to individuals increasing independence in regards to independent living skills.
Assessment skills required for both the delivery of service to individuals and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and assessment of risk to the individuals we serve.
Program planning skills to implement, evaluate, and modify new and existing programs, as needed.
Effective crisis intervention skills to diffuse confrontational situations.
Ability to work well under pressure to ensure minimal interruption in service delivery.
Written communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear, concise manner - adjust to the receiver's needs for various levels of communication.
Verbal skills, in English, to communicate ideas, instructions, and information in a clear concise manner; ability to adjust to the receiver's needs of various levels of communication.
Demonstrated use of core competencies in: Flexibility – Recognizes when and why an approach is not working and changes it, Change Influencer – Builds the interest of others into change messages.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in French verbally and in written form

Responsibilities

Provide individuals with support and information as to a decision or course of action for their daily living activities, including but not limited to: hygiene, budgeting, cooking, nutrition, social skills and community, and achieving specific goals.
Provide life skills programming, in the home and in the community that promotes learning for independent living.
Provide supports for individuals to actively participate in community activities safely.
Manage challenging behaviors in a residential, community setting.
Attend to crisis situations using a variety of strategies that reinforce positive behavior and identify before, during, and after behavior through the appropriate collection of objective and accurate information.
Address or resolve issues and follow applicable policies and work procedures consistently including but not limited to the principles of reinforcement, safe management techniques in case of crisis or when dealing with challenging behavior.
Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residents and the staff as per policies, procedures and the law.
Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program.