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:

A 16-year-old girl in Kitchener is looking for a female Direct Support Person who is fluent in American Sign Language. She is shy but very funny and friendly once she gets to know you. Her interests include art, animals, and learning about history. The time commitment and schedule are very flexible, and the family is willing to work with your schedule as much as possible. A vehicle is helpful but not required. Looking for a DSP who can help her learn to "navigate a hearing world" and gain some independence. Requires patience and consistent effort to get her to open up. No personal care required.

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
• Must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
• Valid G2 license and a reliable vehicle is not required for this role, but is an asset
• 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 DSPs

We, at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR), recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systematic barriers, and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not exceed the requirements listed in a job posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification in order to apply.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Display Evolving level competency which is defined as “intentional growth of oneself and valuing other’s perspectives. They exhibit the competency consistently in more than one context and promote positive opportunities for change beyond themselves.” Competencies required in this role:

• Advocating for Others – How can I get others to support this point of view?
• Collaboration – 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 Independence in Others – How can I help others to embrace this as their own?
• Initiative – How do I positively maintain or enhance this situation?
• Interpersonal Relations and 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. Expenses such as care mileage are covered

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.