Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Behaviour Support Experience

Special Notice: LIMITED; Canada; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension plan

Paid sick time

Flexible shifts

Two weekends off

Job summary

Community Living Kingston and District (CLKD) is seeking a Direct Support Professional with experience in behavioural supports. The role focuses on delivering person-centred assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities, implementing behaviour plans, and promoting independence within a supportive community.

You will join a respected organization serving Kingston, Gananoque, and Napanee, with flexibility in shifts, comprehensive benefits, and a pension plan.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma (e.g., DSW, Behavioural Science, SSW, CYC, CJS, or a degree) and/or significant work experience in social services.
• Availability to work flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour using a trauma-informed approach.
• Demonstrated ability to foster independence, community connections, and person-centred supports.

Responsibilities

• Provide empathetic, individualized support to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Follow behaviour plans and use de-escalation techniques to ensure safety.
• Assist with daily living activities: personal hygiene, meals, medication management, housekeeping.
• Support mental health and behavioural needs while promoting inclusion and community participation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Trauma-informed

Flexibility

Resilience

Advocacy

Collaboration

Building relationships

Problem solving

Decision making

Education

DSW / Diploma

Behavioural Science

SSW / CYC / CJS degree

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Job description

Join the team at Community Living Kingston and District! You will have a rewarding career with growth opportunities, compensation starting at $28.14 per hour (25.28 + 7.3% in lieu of vacation & 4% in lieu of holiday), comprehensive benefits, a pension, and a supportive work community.

Role Overview

Direct Support Professional with experience in Behavioural Supports

In this role, you will play a vital part in providing empathetic and individualized support to individuals with intellectual disabilities who may engage in challenging behaviour. Your support will empower individuals to engage in daily activities and foster community connections, all while encouraging independence. After in-depth training, you will adopt a person-centered approach, ensuring that each individual’s preferences, needs, and goals are at the forefront of your work. A key aspect of your role is delivering high-quality supports by following behaviour plans, providing consistent approaches, and helping to create an environment where individuals can be successful. Building and maintaining therapeutic relationships while using de-escalation techniques is essential to your approach. Your responsibilities may include providing assistance with mental health and/or behavioural supports, community connecting, personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management, and general housekeeping, all while promoting a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for each individual.

Why work at CLKD?

Community Living Kingston and District (CLKD), one of eastern Ontario’s largest developmental service organizations, is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team. With over 650 persons served supported and more than 300 unionized employees, CLKD has been a trusted name in the community since 1953, offering services in Kingston, Gananoque, and Napanee.

Make an Impact

Every employee plays a valuable role in meeting the needs and interests of individuals with intellectual disabilities to lead fuller lives and actively participate in their communities.

Competitive Pay & Benefits

Starting wage equivalent to $28.14 per hour (25.28 + 7.3% in lieu of vacation & 4% in lieu of holiday). Plus, after completion of probationary period (4 months), there is guaranteed minimum 24 hours per week, a comprehensive benefits plan available to part time and full time, multi-sector pension plan, paid accrued sick time, and more.

Career Growth

Access ongoing training and career development opportunities through employer paid training programs. We have 5 divisions of service which include 28 programs spread over twenty locations in the Kingston, Gananoque, and Napanee areas all with internal advancement opportunities. Our commitment to learning and growth ensures that every team member has the opportunity to enhance their skills and contribute meaningfully to our mission.

Work-Life Balance

We have flexible shifts with consistent days off (if you choose) and two out of four weekends off. We also focus on employee wellness through webinars and resources, an Employee Assistance Program and Work Perks savings program.

Supportive Work Environment

At CLKD, we foster a supportive, solution-focused work environment where flexibility, collaboration, and mutual respect are prioritized. Our team is empowered to adapt, grow, and work together to achieve meaningful outcomes.

What We’re Looking For

• Post-secondary degree or diploma (e.g., DSW, Behavioural Science, SSW, CYC, CJS, or a degree) and/or significant work experience in social services
• Availability to work flexible shifts, days, afternoons, evenings, overnight (4, 8, 10, 12 hours) including weekends and holidays.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, dual diagnoses, complex mental health and/or substance abuse using a Trauma Informed lens.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Established history of providing effective supports to individuals who exhibit challenging behaviour. We are committed to using the least restrictive methods and approaches to ensure the well‑being of all individuals.
• Established history of demonstrating resilience and commitment needed to maintain relationships with persons served.
• Proven track record of exercising mature judgment and sensitivity in supporting people with disabilities and their families/support networks;

Mandatory Requirements

• A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license with a clean drivers abstract
• CPIC with Vulnerable Sector Screening

Key Competencies for Applicants

• Flexibility & Resilience: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle challenging situations while maintaining performance under pressure.
• Championing Change and Innovation: Be flexible and adaptable to changing environments and work effectively with others.
• Advocacy: Committed to advocating for and with others, promoting inclusion, and maintaining ethical values.
• Collaboration: Works effectively both independently and as part of a team, cooperating with staff, families, persons served, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Building Relationships: Strong ability to interact respectfully and build relationships with peers, persons served, families, and professionals.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Excellent at prioritizing tasks, managing time, and solving problems creatively.
• Facilitating Growth and Development: Open to new ideas and eager to adapt to different situations.

CLKD is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (“AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Krystle Gauthier at [e-mail].

CLKD does not use Artificial Intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants.