Job Description
The Adult Neurodevelopmental Service (ANS) is currently seeking a full-time, temporary (12 months) Developmental Service Worker (DSW) to work within the clinic. This position will report directly to the Manager, Adult Neurodevelopmental Service and will work as part of the inter-professional team. In this role, you will carry out assigned duties, particularly through ensuring a safe environment, and contribute to the organization and optimal function of the clinic with a view to promoting and supporting the independence, dignity and social, emotional and cultural well-being of the clients, as well as maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu. In this position, you will provide support to dual diagnosis clients that are seen at the ANS clinic.
More specifically, as a DSW, you will:
- Work with clients with dual diagnosis disorders, developmental disorders, schizophrenia and other complex mental illnesses, cognitive issues, and/or limited verbal skills including clients with severe aggression or self-injurious behaviours
- Be able to work under the direction of the behavioural therapist having familiarity with positive behavioural supports and functional assessment, and experience implementing behavioural support plans – including monitoring and observational data gathering.
- Support activities of daily living, social skills building, provide input to clinical processes, and facilitate interventions.
- Participate in groups, and clinical team reviews; continuous quality improvement initiatives, program development and supervision of students at the college level.
- Engage in clinical documentation and other duties as assigned are parts of the required role.
- Support a healthy workforce that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.
- Provide personal support to clients, including assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), accompanying/escorting clients on and off site for transfers, appointments and programming, and maintaining close or continuous observation of clients.
- Use least restrictive strategies in the prevention of restraint and seclusion, to help maintain safety.
- Collect data on, and communicate both verbally and in writing, behavioural observations and clients’ responses to interventions.
- Support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements.
This role involves community visits as well as some evening work. This position is located at 1025 Queen Street.
Job Requirements
The successful candidates will hold a Developmental Service Worker diploma from a recognized college. Direct experience working with clients who have a dual diagnosis disorder (mental health and developmental disability) is essential. Working within a biopsychosocial model of care, the successful candidates will have a competent understanding of behavioural treatment protocols such as management techniques. Knowledge of, and ability to manage, responsive behaviour, and crisis prevention and intervention skills is required. Familiarity with the use of psychotropic medications is preferred. The successful candidates will possess demonstrated skills and experience in the delivery of person-centered planning and the co-ordination of comprehensive and meaningful activities that promote recovery, enhance clients’ quality of life, and promote socially acceptable behaviours to allow clients to be maintained in their community. Highly developed therapeutic relationship and advocacy skills are essential, as well as experience in working with complex clients within a team approach. You will also possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) combined with computer literacy. Bilingualism (French/English) or proficiency in a second language would be an asset. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and First Aid certifications are assets. Attention to detail and the ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds is required.
