Residential Counsellor, Behaviour Specialist

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

Schedule will vary according to requirements and responsibilities. Shifts include a paid meal break where applicable. Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule. Shifts can include the following: days, afternoons, evenings, overnights, and weekends.

The Residential Counsellor will plan and implement individualized, goal-centered programs for adults with developmental disabilities within all Lawson Ministries Programs. The Residential Counselor will...

• Promote greater independence and strive towards the highest quality of living possible.

• Promote an environment and programming that is supportive and nurturing.

• Ensure that the Service User's physical needs (food, clothing, shelter) are well met. This includes cleaning of the home, as well as participation in and co-ordination of meal preparations and the provision of personal needs care as required

• Assist the Service Users in meeting their emotional and psychological needs.

• Being involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Person-directed treatment/rehabilitation plans in conjunction with Service Users, team members, other staff and professionals, as well as the evaluation of such plans.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• To have working knowledge of the application and maintenance of person directed plans along with policy and procedures within the Salvation Army for each person in your specific program.

• To support the efforts made to meet Service Users' spiritual needs by way of demonstrated interest and participation in programming activities where necessary.

• Working co-operatively with residential and when necessary day program team members in providing co-ordinated and consistent approaches to Service Users.

• To endeavour to develop strong therapeutic relationships with Service Users and their families.

• Ensure the proper and accurate recording of all daily logs, shift reports, incident reports, etc. using the AIMS software.

• Responsible for maintaining accurate filings of assigned Service User hard copy and electronic documentation.

• Trained in medication dispensing. Responsible for the administration and accurate documentation of and ordering medication.

• Ensure the general upkeep, cleanliness and maintenance of residence and main office.

• Responsible to assist with any type of Service User emergencies that may arise during the shift.

• Ensure that all required professional appointments for primary clients are scheduled, documentation necessary prepared and direction given to the staff accompanying.

• Responsible for transportation of Service Users to and from specific destinations as required.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the psychological and social dynamics of working with persons who have a developmental diagnosis and behavioural needs.

• Other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisors, Program Directors, or Executive Director.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils: None
Internal:

• Regular interaction with Program Supervisor and other team members

• Regular interaction with Service Users

External:

• Community Partners

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Reports directly to: Program Supervisors or Program Directors

• Direct reports for this position: None

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.

• Does not process any financial transactions with no budget responsibilities.

• Assisting in the financial planning for assigned Service User's personal funds.

• Assists Service Users in management of their own personal funds.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working environment is in the Service Users' homes in the community, the office, or as assigned all in generally agreeable conditions. Locations may vary within the Lawson Ministries community settings; this will be determined by the Program Director/Supervisor and is based on the needs of the Service Users.

• Schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army's Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, SKILLS:
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a accredited post-secondary/college program of two academic years: Developmental Social Worker Diploma or equivalent in Human Services field.

• Current First Aid & Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Defibrillation training required or willingness to obtain upon hiring.

• Current Non Violent Physical Crisis Intervention Certification (CPI) required or willingness to obtain upon hiring.

• Provide an original copy of Criminal Records Check (CRC) with vulnerable sector screening secured through either the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment; a satisfactory criminal background check is required.

• Must have valid Ontario Class "G" or G2 Driver's license and a current Driver's Abstract.

Experience and Knowledge Requirements:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities and vulnerable populations.

• Experience supporting people with behavior challenges

• Work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and other community agencies to provide behaviour management and skill development for individuals with complex behaviour and support needs

• Implement Behaviour Support Plans and Applied Behaviour Analytic (ABA) programming to reduce risk-behaviour and support skill development for individuals with complex needs

• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating effective individualized program plans

• Medication administration training and experience is an asset.

• Lift and transfer training and experience an asset.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

• Attention to detail and problem solving skills.

• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and flexibility.

• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.