Residential Counsellor

The Salvation Army in Canada; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A charity service organization in Hamilton is seeking a Residential Counsellor to support adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include promoting independence, ensuring physical needs, and collaborating on individual treatment plans. Ideal candidates will have relevant education and experience in human services, strong communication skills, and the ability to work in a community setting. This role requires adherence to ethical standards and a commitment to support the mission of the organization.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and vulnerable populations.
• Current First Aid & CPR certification required or willingness to obtain.
• Must have a valid Ontario Class 'G' Driver's license.
• Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver's license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Promote greater independence and strive towards the highest quality of living possible.
• Ensure that the Service User’s physical needs are well met.
• Assist with planning, implementation, and evaluation of treatment plans.
• Assist with planning, implementation and evaluation of treatment/rehabilitation plans.
• Contribute to a safe, supportive, and respectful home environment.

Skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

Attention to detail and problem‑solving skills

Ability to lift up to 20 lbs

Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality

Education

Developmental Social Worker Diploma or equivalent in Human Services field

First Aid & CPR

CPI Certification

Criminal Records Check (CRC)

Ontario Class G driver's license

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith‑and‑values‑based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life – there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: Schedule will vary according to requirements and responsibilities. Shifts include a paid meal break where applicable. Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule. Shifts can include the following: days, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

The Residential Counsellor will plan and implement individualized, goal‑centered programs for adults with developmental disabilities within all Lawson Ministries Programs. The Residential Counselor will…

Responsibilities

• Promote greater independence and strive towards the highest quality of living possible.
• Promote an environment and programming that is supportive and nurturing.
• Ensure that the Service User’s physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) are well met. This includes cleaning of the home, as well as participation in and co‑ordination of meal preparations and the provision of personal needs care as required.
• Assist the Service Users in meeting their emotional and psychological needs.
• Being involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Person‑directed treatment/rehabilitation plans in conjunction with Service Users, team members, other staff and professionals, as well as the evaluation of such plans.

Accountabilities

• Have working knowledge of the application and maintenance of person‑directed plans along with policy and procedures within The Salvation Army for each person in your specific program.
• Support the efforts made to meet Service Users’ spiritual needs by way of demonstrated interest and participation in programming activities where necessary.
• Work co‑operatively with residential and when necessary day program team members in providing coordinated and consistent approaches to Service Users.
• Endeavour to develop strong therapeutic relationships with Service Users and their families.
• Ensure the proper and accurate recording of all daily logs, shift reports, incident reports, etc. using the AIMS software.
• Maintain accurate filings of assigned Service User hard copy and electronic documentation.
• Be trained in medication dispensing. Administer and accurately document medication and handle ordering.
• Ensure the general upkeep, cleanliness, and maintenance of residence and main office.
• Assist with any type of Service User emergencies that may arise during the shift.
• Ensure that all required professional appointments for primary clients are scheduled, documentation necessary prepared, and direction given to the staff accompanying.
• Assist with transportation of Service Users to and from specific destinations as required.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological and social dynamics of working with persons who have a developmental diagnosis and behavioural needs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisors, Program Directors, or Executive Director.

Critical Relationship Management

Governance Boards and Councils: None

Internal

• Regular interaction with Program Supervisor and other team members.
• Regular interaction with Service Users.

External

• Community Partners.

Managerial/Technical Responsibilities

• Reports directly to: Program Supervisors or Program Directors.
• Direct reports for this position: None.

Financial And Material Management

• Use or maintain organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.
• Do not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.
• Assist in the financial planning for assigned Service User’s personal funds.
• Assist Service Users in managing their own personal funds.

Working Conditions

• Working environment is in the Service Users’ homes in the community, the office, or as assigned—all in generally agreeable conditions. Locations may vary within the Lawson Ministries community settings; this will be determined by the Program Director/Supervisor and is based on the needs of the Service Users.
• Schedule may vary according to responsibilities.

Education, Qualifications, and Certifications

• Completion of an accredited post‑secondary/college program of two academic years: Developmental Social Worker Diploma or equivalent in Human Services field.
• Current First Aid & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Defibrillation training required or willingness to obtain upon hiring.
• Current Non‑Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Certification (CPI) required or willingness to obtain upon hiring.
• Provide an original copy of Criminal Records Check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening secured through either the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment; a satisfactory criminal background check is required.
• Must have a valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license, access to own vehicle, and a current Driver’s Abstract.

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and vulnerable populations.
• Experience supporting people with behavior challenges.
• Work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and other community agencies to provide behavior management and skill development for individuals with complex behavior and support needs.
• Implement Behavior Support Plans and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) programming to reduce risk behavior and support skill development for individuals with complex needs.
• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating effective individualized program plans.
• Medication administration training and experience is an asset.
• Lift and transfer training and experience is an asset.

Skills And Capabilities

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
• Attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and flexibility.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $0.00 to $0.00 with a maximum of $0.00. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.