Disability Service Worker, Full-Time

Taproot Community Support Services; Town of Westlock; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee ownership

Career development

Competitive wages

Paid vacation & benefits

Training opportunities

Job summary

Taproot Community Support Services is seeking a Disability Services Worker (DSW) to provide education and development programs, supports, and supervision for adults in continuing care and in the community. You will build relationships with clients, families, and community partners, reporting to the Team Leader.

Ideal candidates bring 2+ years of experience with challenging behaviours or trauma, a valid driver's license, and current First Aid/CPR and NVCI/CPI certification.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience conducting needs-based assessments and providing community supports.
• Experience with person-centered planning and individualized supports.
• High school diploma; relevant post-secondary preferred.
• Valid Class 5 driver license with clean abstract.
• Current First Aid/CPR and non-violent crisis intervention certification.
• Training in Trauma-Informed Practice, Medication Administration, and related areas.
• Ability to function in crisis.

Responsibilities

• Complete all documentation within assigned timeframes.
• Follow program direction and participate in ISP planning.
• Attend meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Support clients in community access activities.
• Assist with daily operation and maintenance of residence/program.

Skills

Aggression management

Needs-based assessments

Person-centered planning

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Disability Service Worker/Social Work degree

Tools

First Aid/CPR

NVCI/CPI

Trauma-Informed Practice

Medication Administration training

Job description

The Program

At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 800-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $70 million.

The Community Access for People in Continuing Care (CAPCC) program supports adults under 65 living in continuing care homes to reduce isolation and participate in meaningful community activities. The program provides person centered planning, in person support, and access to social, recreational, and cultural opportunities, including subsidies when needed.

The Position

The Disability Services Worker (DSW), under supervision of their supervisor, facilitates and monitors education and development programs for purposes of providing individuals in service with physical, behavioural, emotional and social supports/supervision in residence and in the community. DSWs develop relationships and act as a liaison with the community, family members, guardians and employers. This position reports to the Team Leader.

Challenging behaviours (verbal/physical aggression) can occur on a daily basis, therefore, only applicants with 2+ years similar experience working with persons with significant mental health concerns, aggressive behaviours and/or trauma will be considered for this position.

Scheduling

One (1) full-time position available, working 40 hours per week:

• Schedule flexibility is required; evening/weekend work will be required in order to support clients when they require it most

In Your Role You Will

• Completes all documentation within assigned timeframes.
• Follows direction, actively participates in the program team and contributes toward goal planning for the program. Maintains active involvement in the Individual Support Plan (ISP) process.
• Attends meetings and/or training as scheduled and required.
• Adheres to ethical/professional standards, performing all program/client activities in accordance with Taproot policies and procedures as well as program specific policies, PDD and/or Children Services policies, accreditation and core standards.
• Supports clients in all community access activities. Demonstrates ability to explore new community access opportunities and coordinate with other staff to participate in these opportunities.
• Assists and supports individuals with developing and achieving personal goals.
• Ensures individuals basic needs are met, i.e., hygiene, personal care, life skills and social/occupational skills.
• Observes/documents physical, developmental and psychological needs of individuals in service.Contributes toward design, implementation and evaluation of individual service plans.
• Further develops skills and knowledge within human practice fields.
• Provides peer support/orientation to new staff within the program.
• Contributes toward development of program specific policies and procedures.
• Communicates/documents information that relates to program changes/service recipient changes to peers, ministry representatives and other stakeholders as required.
• Participates and supports planning as well as safe transportation of individuals to vocational, recreational, leisure activities and encourages opportunities for social interaction within communities.
• Assists with day-to-day operation and maintenance of the residence/program facility
• Facilitates opportunities for participation and positive interactions between individuals and their communities.
• Presents oneself as professional and courteous at all times.
• Respects client/stakeholder confidentiality.
• Abides by organizational policies to minimize risks and maximize opportunities for participation/inclusion.
• Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• Work well in an environment with potential for aggression/violence
• MUST HAVE 2 years experience conducting needs‑based assessments, Providing community supports to adults with disabilities, Facilitating person‑centered planning and individualized supports.
• High School Diploma/GED. Prefer a Certificate, Diploma or Degree – Disability Service Worker, Social Work, Special Education or related field
• MUST HAVE Valid class 5 driver license with clear driving abstract and reliable vehicle
• Current First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification (NVCI or CPI)
• Training in Trauma Informed Practice, Medication Administration, Suicide Intervention, Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB), Conflict Resolution, Food Safe
• Confident & able to function in a crisis

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength-based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we’re building a company we’re proud of.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
• Work/life balance
• Learning and career development opportunities
• Competitive wages and salaries
• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
• Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
• Professional development opportunities and job-related training
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Long Service Milestone rewards
• Employee referral bonus program
• A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we’re committed to using business as a force for good

We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Equal-Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.

For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website: taproot.ca

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.