Support Services Specialist

Hopewell Support Services; Guelph; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Guelph, Ontario, is seeking a Support Services Specialist to provide direct care to youth and adults with complex developmental and behavioral needs. The ideal candidate will implement behavioral support plans, perform risk assessments, and support daily living activities. This role requires a minimum of one year of experience in social services and a strong commitment to promoting dignity and respect for individuals. Certification in First Aid and CPR is mandatory. This position offers casual employment with specific work hours.

Qualifications

• 1 year experience in Social and Community Services or Developmental Sector preferred.
• Valid Driver's License is required.
• First Aid & CPR Certification is needed.

Responsibilities

• Implement Behavior Support Plans effectively.
• Support individuals with complex needs using crisis intervention strategies.
• Provide person-directed support and services that's respectful and empowering.
• Ensure documentation is completed timely in accordance with ministry requirements.

Skills

Behavioral intervention strategies

Crisis intervention

Communication skills

Empowerment and self-determination

Assessment of client needs

Education

College Certificate (1 year or less)

Job description

Position

Title: – Support Services Specialist (SSS)

Employment Status: Regular Casual

Work Hours: 12 hours bi-weekly

Location(s): Grange

Department: Residential and Respite Services Team

Job Summary

The SSS works as a professional within a clinical multidisciplinary team that follows a biopsychosocial model of intervention. The role primarily supports youth and adults with complex developmental, physical, and behavioural needs. Along with the support of the leadership team and behavioural therapist the SSS will be responsible for effectively implementing behavioural support plans and protocols and assist with clinical assessments as needed. The position will be responsible for the collection of data on programs and be actively involved in providing person centered care, a strong advocate for the people supported within the home.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Consistently and effectively implement Behaviour Support Plans and programming to reduce risk-behaviour and support skill development for individuals with complex needs.
• Work directly with supported individuals utilizing supportive intervention strategies (including crisis intervention strategies like physical restraints, behavioural PRN administration) and de‑escalation techniques.
• Assess risk and support people in developing a plan to keep the person safe.
• Provide person‑directed support and services in a manner that is respectful and fosters self‑determination and empowerment whenever possible.
• Provide transportation to and from all daily living activities.
• Assist in all activities of daily living, including personal hygiene support and participation in physical, vocational, and recreational activities.
• Effectively implement care plans for individuals supported, including behaviour support plan proactive strategies and de‑escalation strategies.
• Provide education and mentorship to people supported on individual choice and informed decision making.
• Promote a safe environment for people supported (in home and community), staff, families, and visitors.
• Assess needs of client and exercise good judgment when implementing intrusive measures for people supported.
• Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner in accordance with ministry requirements, including detailed incident reports, daily notes, communication logs and data collection.
• Work with the Behavioural team in data collection reporting, completing data sheets and advising on any new or concerning behaviours presented by supported individuals.
• Act as a liaison between families, people supported and leadership when required.
• Participate in writing Individual Service Plan documentation, recording medical appointment outcomes or other consultative appointments.
• Consult with the team supporting the individual to evaluate the individual's needs and plan for continuing services.
• Provide formal and informal mentorship and training to new employees, part‑time workers and volunteers, upholding a positive image for Hopewell and promoting adherence to organizational policies and practices.
• Be familiar with and dispense medications, following medication procedures and managing medication as per protocols.
• Observe, assess, and report changes in individuals' behaviours, physical abilities, and activities.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills: professionally and respectfully communicate in writing and in person with other team members, supporting individuals, family members and community partners, demonstrating respect and interest in others' opinions and insights.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to assume and maintain various postures for prolonged periods of time (kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting/standing).
• Must be able to physically transport or hold/restrain to ensure the best care welfare and security of adult persons supported.
• Requires ability to make quick body movements in response to challenging behaviours.

Accountability

At Hopewell, we recognize that core organization specific employee behaviours are fundamental to the success of our organization. Through actions, all employees support the Mission, Vision, Values, and Principles of Hopewell. Thus, the following responsibilities are core to all jobs at Hopewell, including this one. All employees in all jobs are expected to:

• Navigate high‑stress situations while prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of the people supported and adhering to the protocols in place.
• Ensure proper use of PPE, wearing specialized equipment when required to reduce the risk of injury.
• Strictly administer daily prescribed medications according to established protocols, responsible for narcotic medication administration and counts, and administer prescribed PRN medications for behaviours and other needs.
• Report to supervisor any contravention of the legislation, standards, policies and procedures, e.g., defective equipment or hazards in the work environment.
• Understand and follow guidelines for financial accountability with respect to petty cash, purchasing for individuals and the program, and individuals' accounts.
• Keep up to date on all training as required, and request additional support and guidance if unsure of how to manage a situation.
• Possess and demonstrate knowledge of First Aid, CPR, CPI, WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety Act, fire prevention and safety procedures, and other areas as deemed necessary by the association.
• Be reliable: prepared to start your shift as scheduled, complete required tasks on time during shift, and follow through on the directions given by the Manager.
• Adhere to the guidelines and regulations established in the workplace, including Hopewell's Policy and Procedures (e.g., Health and Safety Guidelines, Confidentiality); recognize, identify, and report problems, contentious issues, and serious incidents, and recommend solutions to the manager where appropriate.
• Always behave in a professional, legal, and ethical manner, following Hopewell's dress code policy while supporting individuals within their homes and communities.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to continuously improving the quality of life of individuals so that they may live with dignity and respect.
• Complete all required documentation and training with high levels of data accuracy and attention to detail; participate in ongoing training and development and ensure all mandatory training requirements are met and maintained.
• Maintain healthy internal relationships, recognizing and responding to vocalized and implied needs of residents in a timely, nurturing, and professional manner while working well with colleagues, and reporting concerns to the coordinator or manager.

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents may be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties that may be required by the agency.

Experience

• Preferred: 1 year Social and Community Services, Developmental Sector Experience

Education

Preferred: College Certificate (1 year or less) or better

Licenses & Certifications

• Required: Valid Driver's License
• Driver's Abstract
• Vulnerable Sector Screen – NVCI Certification
• First Aid & CPR Cert