About

• DIRECT SUPPORT PERSON
•  EXTEND-A-FAMILY WATERLOO REGION (EAFWR)

• Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone? 

• So do we!

• Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) was founded on the values of working with people with disabilities to grow their social relationships and be seen and valued as full contributing citizens in our community. By offering supports and services tailored to your dreams and goals, Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region puts you first.

• If this sounds exciting to you, come join our dynamic team to help bring these values to life in our community.

ROLE

• As a Direct Support Person, you are one of the key front line support providers who engage in establishing a positive relationship with the people we support. You are guided by compassion, care and responsibility. You readily display these attitudes and ideals in your relationship with the person being supported and in your representation of EAFWR as an organization wherever you are.

• QUALIFICATIONS: 

• * Secondary school diploma OR some secondary school with related experience
• * Minimum eighteen years of age
• * Valid G2 license and a reliable vehicle is currently required for this role
• * Excellent oral and written communication skills
• * Must be reliable and dependable, punctual and committed
• * Ability to work well independently as well as part of a team
• * Able to commit a minimum of 1 year to this role and to people and families served
• * Demonstrate threshold and core competencies outlined for DSP’s

ROLE COMPETENCIES

• The following questions will guide the work of every Direct Support Person who provides support.

Threshold Competencies

• * Flexibility – How can I provide what the situation needs?
• * Self-Control – How do I demonstrate poise under pressure?
• * Self-Development – How do I continually improve my skills and knowledge?
• * Service Orientation – How have I given the best service with the best options that I can?
• * Values and Ethics – How am I an authentic ambassador of my organization’s values and principles?

Core Competencies

• * Advocacy for others– How can I get others to support this point of view?
• * Building Relationships – How do I create harmony and progress within my role with others?
• * Creative Problem Solving/Decision Making – How can I/we think about or do this differently?
• * Fostering Growth and Development – How can I help others to embrace their own independence?
• * Initiative – How do I positively maintain or enhance this situation?
• * Valuing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion – Is the person I’m supporting being treated with respect? How would I want to be treated in this situation?
• * Resilience – How am I staying optimistic about our goals?

• EAFWR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systemic barriers and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not meet/exceed the requirements listed in a posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, and candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to apply.  Candidates are encouraged to seek accommodations to support their application.

 HOURS AND PAY

• * A single contract can be anywhere from 2 to 10 hours per week with an opportunity to take on multiple contracts and increase your hours
• * While there is flexibility to fit around your schedule, most of the opportunities currently available require evening and/or weekend work
• * The pay rate is $20.34/hr + 6% vacation pay
• * Some reimbursement is available for expenses such as car mileage

RESPONSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS

Reporting to the person being supported, their family, and a designated EAFWR Support Coordinator, the contract support person will

Provide Support to the Person and Family

• * Plan and implement supports/activities designed to assist the person being supported in achieving goals outlined in the funding contract
• * Establish and maintain a respectful relationship with the person being supported.
• * Engage in open and honest communication with the person being supported, their family and the designated Support Coordinator
• * Be aware of and adhere to EAFWR’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and maintain a safe work environment for yourself and the person being supported
• * Maintain awareness of and adherence to EAFWR procedures dealing with serious and/or unusual incidents

Provide Support to EAFWR Administration by

• * Maintain awareness of and adherence to relevant guidelines, policies and procedures
• * Promote the growth of an organizational culture that is both inclusive and anti-oppressive
• * Participate in training and staff development as requested/required
• * Provide documents relevant to the position as requested by EAFWR

• Extend-A-Family is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity of access to employment.

• To apply for this position, please follow the application process on ADP Workforce Now. A resume is required, but we also recommend including a cover letter outlining your interest in the role, which can be uploaded to your application as an attachment.