Respite Worker, Neurodevelopmental Health - Temporary Full-Time (1.0) (Until March 2027) (Renfrew Location)

CHEO; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEO in Ottawa, Ontario, is seeking a Developmental Service Worker to support children and youth with complex medical, behavioral, and social needs within the URS and ENS respite programs.

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to implement programming, provide physical care, manage behaviour, and help clients achieve their goals using a strengths-based approach. A two-year DSP diploma and relevant certifications are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a two-year Diploma in Developmental Service Worker or similar field. (Essential)
• Minimum 1-year recent related experience working with children and youth with disabilities including developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and/or complex behaviours and/or complex mental health needs. (Essential)
• Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-C) Level C (Essential)
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification. (Essential)
• Applied Behaviour Analysis training. (Preferred)
• Knowledge and experience with behaviour management strategies (Essential)
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills. (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to engage with children and youth. (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to provide stimulating and entertaining programming. (Essential)
• Demonstrated understanding of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles. (Essential)
• Demonstrated flexible approach to work demands. (Essential)
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle (Essential)
• Ability to travel to provide service to clients throughout all of Renfrew (Essential)
• Ability to attend last-minute meetings in Renfrew (Essential)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) (Essential)
• Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation and participation in program activities for the assigned client.
• Assist in the implementation of all aspects of program operations including set-up, take-down and clean-up of facilities and equipment.
• Assist with any physical care required for the assigned client (e.g., lifting, transferring, assisting with toileting, positioning, feeding, etc.).
• Establish and maintain clear understanding of the rules and boundaries of the program for the assigned client.
• Support and manage challenging behaviour of the assigned client with the support of a multidisciplinary team, and under the direction of a Behaviour Analysts.
• Understand and implement appropriate intervention strategies.
• Support assigned client to achieve their established goals using a strengths-based approach.
• Provide encouragement and promote positive behaviours.
• Function as part of a team by communicating with staff, participants and their families.
• Ensure supervision and safety of assigned clients.
• Perform work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all CHEO corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Child engagement

Behavior management

ABA knowledge

Education

Diploma in Developmental Service Worker

Standard First Aid & CPR-C Level C

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification

Applied Behaviour Analysis training

Job description

Job Description

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

Compensation Pay Range

$32.03-$38.91

CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers - all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.

Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

Position Summary

Assist with the implementation of programming, behaviour management, and physical care for children and youth attending the Urgent Response Services (URS) and Extensive Needs Service (ENS) respite within the CHEO Neurodevelopmental Health department. Work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide support to children and youth with complex medical, behavioural, and social issues.

Main Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation and participation in program activities for the assigned client.


• Assist in the implementation of all aspects of program operations including set-up, take-down and clean-up of facilities and equipment.


• Assist with any physical care required for the assigned client (e.g., lifting, transferring, assisting with toileting, positioning, feeding, etc.).


• Establish and maintain clear understanding of the rules and boundaries of the program for the assigned client.


• Support and manage challenging behaviour of the assigned client with the support of a multidisciplinary team, and under the direction of a Behaviour Analysts.


• Understand and implement appropriate intervention strategies.


• Support assigned client to achieve their established goals using a strengths-based approach.


• Provide encouragement and promote positive behaviours.


• Function as part of a team by communicating with staff, participants and their families.


• Ensure supervision and safety of assigned clients.


• Perform work in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and all CHEO corporate/departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.


• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a two-year Diploma in Developmental Service Worker or similar field. (Essential)


• Minimum 1-year recent related experience working with children and youth with disabilities including children and youth with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and/or with complex behaviours and/or with complex mental health needs. (Essential)


• Standard First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR-C) Level C (Essential)


• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification. (Essential)


• Applied Behaviour Analysis training. (Preferred)


• Knowledge and experience with behaviour management strategies (Essential)


• Demonstrated strong interpersonal communication skills. (Essential)


• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. (Essential)


• Demonstrated ability to engage with children and youth. (Essential)


• Demonstrated ability to provide stimulating and entertaining programming. (Essential)


• Demonstrated understanding of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) principles. (Essential)


• Demonstrated flexible approach to work demands. (Essential)


• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle (Essential)


• Ability to travel to provide service to clients throughout all of Renfrew (Essential)


• Ability to attend last-minute meetings in Renfrew (Essential)


• Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) (Essential)


• Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)

Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs

• Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Renfrew. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing.

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.