Community Support Enabler

We are looking for a friendly, patient, responsible person to accompany our son in the community. Gabriel is a warm, kind, sensitive 17-year-old who has a sense of humor and likes to have fun and laugh. He is interested in working out, movies, gaming, editing videos, kickboxing, and loves all animals. As a result of some rare neurological conditions he was born with, he has developmental delays and a seizure disorder with known triggers. For this reason we would require that the successful candidate have the capacity to work well under pressure and the ability to administer emergency medications. Given Gabriel’s mild speech delays, he may have difficulty receiving and processing information. The community support worker will use knowledge and training provided by the family to mitigate challenges in communication.

Gabe has zero behavior issues and good social etiquette and manners; he is very easy to hang out with. It is simply his cognitive delays with which he requires assistance and our hope for him is to eventually live independently where he feels the confidence to navigate all the things involved in living a full and meaningful life to him. The community support worker will play a vital role in helping Gabriel engage with his community and facilitate social interactions, transportation, shopping & restaurants, etc. to build his natural support network.

Primary Job Responsibilities:
— Accompanying Gabriel to a variety of community activities. E.g., movies Spray Lakes, walking around town etc.
— Facilitating social connections and interactions with peers and friends.
— Preparing for medical crisis intervention if necessary.
— Support in managing finances in the community.
— While in school, accompanying Gabriel to his work experience role.

Accountabilities:
— Communication: Build strong and respectful relationships with our son and family, and any additional supports. Communicate in a professional manner and on a consistent basis.
— Provide regular updates concerning success, challenges, or changes to support.
— Maintain confidentiality.
— Safety: Be aware of the individual’s physical, social, and recreational environments, know his capabilities and limitations, and take action to minimize risks and maximize inclusion.
— Documentation: maintain accurate time sheets and any other documentation as required by the family.

Qualifications and Requirements:
— Previous knowledge and experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
— A steadfast belief and commitment to inclusion, the right for all people to belong, participate and contribute to the community.
— The ability to work independently in unstructured environments and to employ effective time management skills.
— The ability to implement the strategies and recommendations decided upon by the family and other therapeutic professionals.
— Coaching skills – knowledge of and ability to demonstrate and support the development of skills as they relate to emotional, physical, and social needs.
— A driver’s license and personal vehicle are an asset.
— First Aid and CPR certification
— Ability to assess seizure activity and administer emergency medications when necessary.
— Familiarity with medication administration.
— Police Information Check complete with a vulnerable sector search.

$21/hour with an estimated schedule of 6-10 hours per week after school and weekends.