Position Title: Direct Support Professional
Program: Supported Living
Position Type: Relief
Reports to: Team Supervisor
Rate of Pay: $26.27
Work Hours: Based on program needs
Work Schedule: Days, afternoons, overnights, and some weekends
About Mainstream
Mission
Through a person centred approach, we empower individuals to live lives of their choosing. To be independent in their way and housed safely and affordably.
Vision
We envision a future free from barriers, where all people are valued, connected and empowered to reach their full potential.
Values
Respect – We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of people
Inclusion – We honour diversity and actively work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and valued
Compassion – We meet each person with empathy, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique
Empowerment – We support people to make informed choices, take charge of their own growth and persevere in the face of life’s challenges
Job Summary
The direct support professional (DSP), under the direction of the team supervisor and manager, will primarily be responsible for facilitating independence and improving the quality of life for individuals with developmental, intellectual, and/or physical disabilities. On a day-to-day basis, our direct support professional staff provide person-centred support to inspire the people in our care to lead independent, productive and fulfilling lives.
Direct Support Professional Job Responsibilities
- Provide direct care and support to those with developmental differences
- Foster positive relationships with individuals supported and their families
- Remind and assist people supported with self-administration of medications (with proper training)
- Performs personal care tasks, including assistance with basic personal hygiene and grooming, feeding, and ambulation, medical monitoring, and health care related tasks
- Assists with toileting, including bedpans, urinals, and commode chairs as necessary
- Encourages self-help activities
- Facilitate open communication and foster positive relationships with people supported, their families, and community partners
- Ensure person-centered planning and goal planning meetings are completed, and assist with follow through
- Reports changes in client’s condition or family situation to administrators and supervisors
- Documents services provided
- Performs home management functions such as light housekeeping, laundry, bed making, and cleaning
- Plans meals, shopping for groceries, preparing and serving food/meals, feeding and clean-up
- Accompanies clients to scheduled appointments and transports clients or running errands for clients
- Household management duties include but are not limited to:
- Light housekeeping (dishes, sweeping, moping, vacuuming, change bedding, laundry etc.)
- Landscaping (grass cutting, raking, snow shoveling, de-icing etc.)
- Groceries and meal preparation
- Other duties as assigned
Role Expectations
- Respect and adhere to Mainstream’s policies surrounding confidentiality
- The DSP exercises autonomy in the planning and implementation of the daily activities and appointments for the people we support. When challenges develop, it is the responsibility of the DSP to reach out to Team supervisor or Team Manager for additional support as needed
- Be familiar with Mainstream policies and procedures, always conduct yourself in a manner consistent with Mainstream philosophies
- Be an active part of the team whose primary goal is that of promoting Mainstream philosophies in ways that positively impact people supported, fellow staff members and the community
- By manner of communication, show respect and consideration for fellow co-workers, a positive attitude and strong work ethic towards responsibilities
- Use effective time management strategies in completing tasks and planning daily activities
- Contribute to team meetings, projects, and initiatives
- Recognize that relationships developed with people supported are always subject to professional codes of conduct
- Communicate and collaborate professionally with others within the team, the organization, families and community partners
- Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices
Supportive Living Supports and Activities
- Daily living
- Medication administration
- Wellness (Physical and Mental)
- Accessing resources
- Life skills
- Self-advocacy
- Coping skills
- Personal care
- Building relationships with peers, family and community members
Compliance Responsibility
- Ensure regulations under Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) are being met as part of day-to-day operations
- Complete all required documentation mandated by MCCSS, Public Health, Fire Department, and any other applicable services
- Be aware of and follow all Mainstream policies and procedures
- Report hazards, injuries, and illnesses promptly to Team Supervisor, Manager, and/or certified Joint Health and Safety representative
- Use all required personal protective equipment, and protective devices
- Complete all Mandatory Health and Safety Training in a timely manner
- Comply and cooperate with the early and safe return to work program
Person-Centred Approach
The DSP will strive to establish and maintain productive and trusting relationships with all Mainstream staff and People Supported. Ongoing communication and collaboration are encouraged throughout the organization and such efforts will be supported.
The current arrangement of work processes, whereby the DSP has considerable time alone with people supported, requires that the DSP have ongoing strategic and operational discussions regarding a person supported progress and individualized process planning. During such meetings, general organizational updates and operational issues will be discussed. Respecting confidentiality requirements, the Manager will be consulted regarding serious occurrences, suspicions/accusations of abuse, person supported status checks, evaluations or suggested amendments to program policy.
Working Conditions
- Intermittent sitting, walking, standing, bending, stooping, or carrying light objects
- Physical exertion climbing stairs or pushing a wheelchair
- Unaided lifting of objects up to 30 lbs., i.e. carrying groceries, use of lifts / slings, etc.
- Repetitive movements such as pulling, pushing, lifting or twisting
- May occasionally encounter unclean homes and bodies, bodily fluids, pets, dirt and insects
- A wide spectrum of human behaviours (yelling, swearing, physical interaction) will be experienced, witnessed and discussed. The DSP is expected to be non-judgmental, maintaining professionalism and decorum under any such circumstances
Qualifications
- College Diploma (Social Service Worker Diploma, Developmental Services Worker Diploma, Educational Assistant Diploma, Community and Developmental Service Worker Diploma) or university degree (Bachelor of Applied Science in Community Social Services or related degree)
- Minimum one year working with individuals with developmental disabilities or minimum two years working in a related field
- Must be available to work varying shifts based on program needs. This could be days, afternoons, overnights, weekends and or statutory holidays
- Must be available to work a minimum of 24 hours per pay period
- Must have a valid G Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle Must have access to your own reliable vehicle while working with the expectation to transport people
- Must have auto insurance with $1,000,000 liability coverage and permission to carry non-paying passengers
- Must have a police clearance (with vulnerable sector screening)
- Must have a valid First Aid/ CPR Certification
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs. Unassisted
- Training in Person Centred Thinking is an asset
- Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is an asset
- Bi-lingual in both French and English is an asset
Additional Information
AI Use Disclosure (Ontario Employment Standards Act – ESA)
In accordance with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and related job posting requirements, this employer does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.
Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Mainstream is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal opportunity, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. We thank all respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: From $26.27 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Email Address
- Phone Number
Education:
Experience:
- working with individuals with developmental disabilities: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- G driver license not g1 or g2 (required)
- CPR First Aid Level C +AED (preferred)
- NVCI (preferred)
Work Location: In person
