WHO WE ARE

Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our mission is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity. We empower people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community and have sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Are you a Childcare Professional looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.

Early Childhood Development Behaviour Support Worker – Bissell Centre

The Early Childhood Development Behaviour Support Worker (ECDRW) is to provide specialized, consistent support to children with developmental needs within the childcare program, ensuring they receive individualized care that fosters their growth and inclusion. This role also supports educators by offering guidance and strategies to manage diverse classroom needs effectively, while collaborating closely with families and external agencies to create a holistic, supportive environment for every child.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Duties

• Complete ASQ and ASQ-SE and follow up assessments on children with identified challenges and needs who regularly attend the centre which includes home visitation and referral to appropriate resources.
• Assist and train educators to implement early intervention strategies (including programs and changes to the childcare environment) to enable the full participation of children with special needs in childcare activities.
• Advocate as necessary on behalf of caregivers and children and coordinate with external agencies.
• Transport and/or accompany families to appointments when necessary.
• Develop and facilitate workshops and other relevant group engagement, educational, or support sessions for caregivers, educators, etc.
• Network with other agencies and schools that provide early intervention programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Team Lead and Manager of the Childcare to plan, monitor, and deliver high quality ECD programs and activities.
• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with families, children, staff, educators, volunteers, and students.
• Maintain and oversee a caseload of 20 children.
• Maintains knowledge and attends training to keep current in professional development.

General and Administrative

• Maintain accurate written file notes, computer records, program information, child and family records and critical incident reports within established time standards.
• Learn and use Orbit (if needed)
• Provide latest program information and updated statistics as required.
• Maintain and submit accurate mileage and expense logs for reimbursement.
• Attend scheduled staff and supervision meetings.
• Must be able to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Degree or diploma in disability studies, child & youth care worker, community support worker, Behaviour therapy, social work, or related human services field of study.
• Two years related working experience in the field of early learning, special needs, family support, or related lived experience.
• Experience working with and developing education plans for children who have behavioural and developmental challenges.
• Experience in group facilitation is an asset.
• Employees with Social Work Diploma/Degree/Masters are required to provide and maintain ongoing registration, in good standing, with Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) as per Alberta Health Professions Act
• Alberta Class 5 License, satisfactory driver’s abstract and a vehicle is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of community resources pertaining to children’s development, health, and education needs
• Knowledge of Childcare licensing requirements, child development, children’s early intervention strategies, inclusive strategies, Alberta’s ELCC curriculum framework (FLIGHT), and early childhood resources and programs
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, history, current issues, and marginalized communities who have experienced trauma.
• Ability to develop productive working relationships with caregivers, program staff, and service providers.
• Ability to conduct research and gather latest resources pertaining to the development and learning intervention strategies for children especially children with special needs or developmental barriers.
• Familiarity with issues of poverty and Edmonton’s urban core
• Strong listening and verbal communication skills with children, caregivers, and educators
• Good written and oral communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Good computer, administrative, planning, organizational and facilitation skills
• Ability to anticipate, assess and readily adapt to changing priorities and effectively work in a changing environment.

Personal Characteristics

The Early Childhood Development Behaviour Support Worker should demonstrate competence in all of the following:

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen, and write in a clear, thorough, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Focus on Participant Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
• Foster Teamwork: Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
• Organizational Skills: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create, and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather, and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Screening Requirements

• Criminal Record Check (with vulnerable sector) – dated within the last 6 months.
• Early Childhood Certificate
• Standard First Aid with CPR
• Driver’s abstract, valid driver’s license, and proof of $2 million PLPD insurance
• Active member of professional college (ACSW) if applicable

Training Requirements

• Indigenous awareness training
• Conflict Into Calm Training
• Drug Poisoning & Naloxone
• WHMIS
• Harm Reduction

The above-noted training must be completed during the first three months of employment.

HOW TO APPLY                                                                                                                                               

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter to: .

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.