Direct Support Professional Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Position Purpose summary:

The Client Care Support position works alongside our participants by delivering hands on social and recreational activities as well as assisting participants in their daily living; through encouragement in community based programs, referral/connection to external resources, and supporting in developing life skills. In addition, the Client Care Support position provides case management and other required support to the program staff (including support to participants with safe food handling and implementing/ leading lessons/groups as required by the Program).

Accountabilities:

Participant Support:

• Contribute to the delivery of program services which meet the physical, social, spiritual, and emotional needs of the participants
• Interview, assess needs and make referrals on behalf of the participant(i.e. funding, treatment, everyday needs) as required/assigned
• Intake / discharge / service cessation process / as required / assigned
• Packing/disposal of participant belongings (per policy)
• Appropriately intervene in crisis situations, de-escalation of situations, respond to emergencies and participant concerns
• Delivery of Naloxone nasal/injection in the event of an opiate poisoning
• Delivery of first aid as certified and safety permitting
• Organize and participate in social and community activities with participants
• Ensure safe, efficient, and effective delivery of all social, life skills (laundry, hygiene), recreation and leisure activities, cooking skills and food handling practices (hands on)
• Encourage and support participants to make effective, positive choices/decisions and provide opportunities for participants to learn effective problem solving and decision making skills through self-determination
• In collaboration with the team, facilitate the development of socialization skills, increase comfort and confidence in social settings, demonstrate appropriate interactions, and promote positive relationships
• Support cleaning and organizing; decluttering of participant living spaces
• Case management as required and requested.

Program Operations:

• May be required to drive a transport vehicle for up to 7 passengers as required by program
• Food preparation/cooking may be required
• Administering Urine Drug Screening Tests as required by Program
• Ensure adequate program supplies are on hand and maintain program equipment as needed
• Address situations where program rules are not being followed, document incidents and inform relevant support and management staff
• Participate in the training and orientation of new and existing staff as required
• Participate and provide feedback on the program development and implementation of policy/program items (and special events when required)
• Ensure the work site is maintained a clean, tidy and organized manner; prepare and send service requests as required
• Medication storage/admin/dispense as defined by program and record keeping for same
• Assist facilitator with classes for participants and support participants in cooking skills, leadership and team work as required by Program
• Support, respect and give appropriate feedback to other members of the interdisciplinary team; including reporting all concerns regarding the participant behaviors and other work related concerns as they relate to participant care

Administration:

• Document activities in accordance with Salvation Army policies and legal requirements, including updating of Transitional Plan and documentation of incidents.
• Participate in staff meetings, case management meetings, in-service programming, and external meetings as directed
• Prepare and provide reports, surveys and statistical information as requested.
• Other duties as required and requested

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Internal:

• Various ad hoc meetings as assigned.
• Participants of the Program

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Program Manager
• This position has no direct reports

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Maintain confidential files and reports
• Maintain a pool of resources of other community services for easy accessibility

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working environment is generally agreeable in residential buildings, in common areas, community recreation facilities, outdoor recreation areas, private rooms and in the community
• The job requires lifting/twisting/bending, and will require sitting and/or standing for long periods of time.
• Some scheduled overtime may be required.
• Shift work (may be) required. Must be flexible to work days, evenings, weekends, holidays)
• All programs operate 24/7. Multi-site work may be required.
• May work with (commercial) kitchen equipment
• The incumbent's work environment is typically at work sites within residential settings, and may experience the following disagreeable conditions: therefore, will need to follow or use universal precautions:

• Dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse
• Exposure to bodily fluids, bodily waste, and infectious diseases
• Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and solvents
• Physical attacks by others
• Exposure to toxic chemicals
• Sharp objects (i.e., needle sticks, knives, and weapons)
• Other dangerous situations
• Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Post-Secondary education / training in a human services related field (combination of equivalent education and experience may be considered)
• Current Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
• Must have a valid Driver's License and Clean Drivers Abstract
• Current certification in Standard First Aid with Level C CPR
• Current certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
• Food safe certificate an asset

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year related experience in a social services / mental health setting. Working with marginalized clientele an asset
• Must have experience working with computer and software programs / system
• Experience with facilitating programs, groups, and activities an asset
• Experience performing administrative duties and computer data input an asset
• Experience in community kitchens, serving, cooking, catering or restaurant environment an asset
• Experience working in a housing program, working with substance dependant persons / persons in recovery, and experience working with people who have mental wellness issues an asset

Skills and Capabilities:

• This position requires a high degree of compassion, integrity, patience, good communication and people skills, and the ability to function in a stressful environment
• Competent to develop and maintain participant relations while demonstrating professional boundaries
• Encourage personal life skill development by showing, teaching, talking, and developing appropriate, respectful relationships
• Must be proficient in MS Office, Outlook and databases as required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills - clear and simple to understand
• Able to communicate in a sensitive and compassionate manner with participants and adapt modes of communication to facilitate effective interaction in activities, thus promoting dignity and respect
• Must be able to work in a fast paced environment with strong prioritizing and organizing skills
• Must be adaptable, resourceful, able to take direction and multi-task
• Always represent The Salvation Army in a professional manner and uphold the Mission of The Salvation Army; always maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.