Support Worker

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plan with employer matching

Employee Assistance Program

Unionized environment

Vacation and sick time entitlements

Priority childcare placement

Job summary

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton is seeking a part-time Support Worker to assist children with physical, behavioural, or mental health challenges in our childcare and school-age programs.

You will support routines, help children with self-regulation, and work closely with families and teachers to ensure consistent, individualized support. This is a collaborative, supportive role within a unionized environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting children with diverse abilities and behaviours.
• Knowledge of strategies for positive behaviour guidance and self-regulation support.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, educators, and school partners.
• Familiarity with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and implementing individualized strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and responsibilities.
• Patience, empathy, and passion for supporting children and their families.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to children with physical, behavioural, or mental health challenges.
• Support daily routines, including meal/snack times, transitions, and school pick-ups/drop-offs.
• Assist children with self-regulation, social skills, and behavioural guidance according to individualized strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate with parents, school staff, and colleagues to ensure consistent support and smooth transitions.
• Implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or individualized strategies as required.
• Observe, document, and report on children’s progress and needs.
• Support a safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment.
• Assist with classroom or program activities as required, while providing personalized support for assigned children.

Skills

Experience supporting children

Behaviour guidance

Family collaboration

IEP familiarity

Communication skills

Adaptability

Empathy for families

Education

Childcare education (preferred)

Job description

Permanent, Part-time

Build your career where you truly belong — welcome to Umbrella Family. For over 35 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in early childhood education, powered by passionate staff who make a real impact every day. At Umbrella Family, you’re supported, heard, and empowered to grow in a collaborative environment designed to help you thrive. Join a workplace that values your contributions and celebrates the connection you make with children and their families. This isn’t just a job — it’s your opportunity to be part of something special.

Internal Posting Date: 09/16/2026

Internal Closing Date: 09/22/2026

Target Start Date: 10/07/2026

Location: Lawfield Centre; 45 Berko Avenue, Hamilton, ON L8H 6R7

Total Weekly Hours: 16.25 hours per week

Schedule: Monday to Friday: 2:45pm-6:00pm

Pay Rate (per Collective Agreement, includes wage grants): $21.79 per hour

About The Role

As a Support Worker, you will provide support for children with physical, behavioural, or mental health challenges in our childcare and school-age programs. Your role is essential in helping children succeed in a safe, nurturing, and structured environment, while working collaboratively with families, teachers, and colleagues. Your work ensures smooth transitions, consistent routines, and individualized support that enables each child to thrive.

Qualifications

• Related experience supporting children with diverse abilities and behaviours
• Knowledge of strategies for positive behaviour guidance and self-regulation support
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, educators, and school partners
• Familiarity with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and implementing individualized strategies
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules and responsibilities
• Patience, empathy, and passion for supporting children and their families

Certifications

• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Proof of up-to-date immunizations (TB, Tetanus, MMR)

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support to children with physical, behavioural, or mental health challenges
• Support daily routines, including meal/snack times, transitions, and school pick-ups/drop-offs
• Assist children with self-regulation, social skills, and behavioural guidance according to individualized strategies
• Communicate and collaborate with parents, school staff, and colleagues to ensure consistent support and smooth transitions
• Implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or individualized strategies as required
• Observe, document, and report on children’s progress and needs
• Support a safe, inclusive, and structured learning environment
• Assist with classroom or program activities as required, while providing personalized support for assigned children
• Adapt to the needs of multiple children or classrooms as required by the centre

Why Join Umbrella Family?

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Robust retirement plan with employer matching
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Unionized environment supporting work-life balance
• Generous vacation and sick time entitlements
• Priority childcare placement for employees’ children
• Positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment

Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to providing accommodations in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision-making technologies in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by our Human Resources personnel and hiring managers.

Welcome to Umbrella Family — where every role makes a difference.