Therapeutic Respite Worker - 27 Brant Specialized Services

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services; Brantford; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services is seeking an in-home Therapeutic Respite Worker to support children and youth (0–18) with mental health and developmental needs. You will deliver 1:1 and group respite sessions, implement treatment and safety plans, and collaborate with families to strengthen skills.

The role emphasizes community-based work, ongoing documentation, and teamwork to ensure a safe, therapeutic environment. A valid driver’s license and First Aid/CPR are required.

Qualifications

• Diploma or enrollment in Child & Youth Worker, Social Service Worker, Developmental Support Worker, Autism & Behavioural Science, or equivalent.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children and youth with mental health or behavioural needs.
• Strong communication, judgment, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Current First Aid & CPR
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check required (renewed every 3 years, with annual offence declarations, per legislation)

Responsibilities

• Deliver 1:1 and group respite sessions with structured activities to build social skills, emotion regulation, coping, and life skills.
• Follow and implement treatment, safety, and behaviour plans; use positive supports and sound judgment in-home and in the community.
• Communicate with caregivers, model strategies, provide in-the-moment feedback, and support families in a strengths-based way.
• Complete contact notes within 24 hours, incident reports as needed, and other required administrative tasks (e.g., payroll/mileage, EMHware entries).
• Participate in team communication and debriefing; collaborate with partners as required with consent; maintain a safe, therapeutic environment.
• Provide transportation for sessions and group programming as required

Skills

Communication

Judgment

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Diploma in Child & Youth Work

Or enrolled in related program

Job description

The Role

The Therapeutic Respite Worker provides goal-focused, therapeutic respite support to children and youth (0–18) with mental health and/or neurodevelopmental needs. Services are delivered in homes and community settings and are designed to strengthen skills, support families, and prevent family breakdown or out-of-home placements.

Key Responsibilities (May Include but are not limited to):

• Direct support: Deliver 1:1 and group-based respite sessions using structured, meaningful activities that support social skills, emotion regulation, coping, and life skills
• Plan implementation: Follow and implement treatment, safety, and behaviour plans; use positive behaviour supports and sound judgment in-home and in the community
• Family support: Communicate with caregivers, model strategies, provide in-the-moment feedback, and respond to family needs in a strengths-based way
• Documentation & admin: Complete contact notes within 24 hours, incident reports as needed, and other required administrative tasks (e.g., payroll/mileage, EMHware entries as assigned)
• Collaboration & safety: Participate in team communication/debriefing, collaborate with partners as required (with consent), and maintain a safe, therapeutic environment
• Transportation: Provide transportation for sessions and group programming as required

Qualifications:

• Diploma or enrolment in Child & Youth Worker, Social Service Worker, Developmental Support Worker, Autism & Behavioural Science, or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children and youth with mental health or behavioural needs
• Strong communication, judgment, and ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle
• Current First Aid & CPR
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check required (renewed every 3 years, with annual offence declarations, per legislation)

Assets:

• NVCI, ASIST, DBT, CBT, or ABA experience
• Second language proficiency

Additional Information

• Flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends
• Work is performed in client homes and community settings
• This role requires a commitment of at least 20 hours per week; shifts will occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with the possibility of additional hours/days.