PERSONAL SUPPORT PERSON
Seeking a patient, experienced individual who is calm under pressure, reliable, engaging, and community minded to provide support to a young neurodivergent adult woman who is striving to live a fulfilling and purposeful life in St. Catharines. This role as a trusted advisor focuses on ensuring safe, nurturing, and empowering experiences via outings/excursions. The position requires “bridging to the community” during which the Support Person will accompany the person to explore her interests (and opportunities) in the community. A shared love of animals is essential as some outings will involve interaction with animals. Additional personal interests include fan fiction, gaming and drawing. We anticipate that this role will evolve over time and be 8hours per week. Having access to a reliable mode of transportation is required with proof of insurance and a clean driver’s extract. There is some flexibility as to the days and times.
**This is a self-employed Independent Contract Support Worker position. This position works directly with the family, and all scheduling and training is delivered by the family.
Description of Role
The role of the Personal Assistant is to assist the person in living in the family home and exploring her interests in the community.
The focus should be on
· building self-determination,
· strengthening practical life skills
· fostering confidence rather than forcing conformity to neurotypical standards.
Qualifications/Requirements
- shared similar interests- animal enthusiast
- compassionate, trauma-informed experience and understanding of mental health struggles (i.e. High social anxiety) with experience implementing coping strategies
- ability to coach, advocate and promote the ‘voice of the person’
- energetic, motivated, fully present and possessing a calming approach
- takes a ‘doing with’, modeling approach to support
- strong communication and problem-solving skills are required
- current and satisfactory criminal records check including a vulnerable sector search
- valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required
- openness to learning and working in a collaborative environment
- certification and training in CPR and First Aid are an asset
- applicant must be 18 years of age or older
Type: Fixed term contract
● Contract length- 4-8 hrs/week to start with potential to increase
● Rate of pay- $26-28 per hour commensurate with experience
● Location- Scott and Niagara, St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-lake
Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
