Senior Respite Worker (Guelph-Wellington)

Dufferin Child and Family Services is a multi-service agency providing Child and Youth Mental Health, Child Protection and Developmental Support. **The agency currently requires:** **Casual Part-time – Senior Respite Workers (Guelph-Wellington)** The Senior Respite Worker will work with children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities. They will be providing support in the Guelph-Wellington region, working in the client’s home and the community. **You are seeking:** * A challenging role that offers flexibility, learning opportunities and work within a multi-disciplinary team. * A unique opportunity to work in a progressive, multi-service agency in collaboration with community partners. **We are seeking an innovative individual with the ability to:** * Promote community inclusion, independence and self-determinism for the people supported. * Provide direct and indirect support to people as required by their personal support plans. * Assist with personal care of clients as needed (feeding, toileting, etc.). * Support people to identify, work towards, and achieve their goals/personal outcomes. * Plan and execute activities that are enjoyable to the people who receive support. * Assess the person’s verbal and nonverbal communications skills, utilize alternative communication systems and techniques, as required, and encourage self-expression of the people who receive support. * Maintain a clear understanding of the rules of the home. * Collect descriptive data of challenging behaviours. * Apply techniques and understand concepts related to non-violent crisis intervention (CPI). * Act as the primary source of guidance to support staff to maintain and protect the well-being of all clients while providing care and when emergency crisis situations arise. * Effectively and promptly communicate with the supervisor in the event of an unusual occurrence or crisis within 24 hours of the event; lead a team of Respite Workers by providing direct and indirect support. * Conduct appropriate decision-making regarding staffing and client level needs when on indicated senior shifts. * Maintain respect and confidentiality for all clients. * Perform opening and closing duties for the program. * Weekday and weekend availability required; availability every second Saturday required. **Qualifications:** * Diploma and/or degree from an accredited College and/or University in Human Services (ECE, PSW, DSW, CYW, etc.). Equivalent experience with children with special needs will also be considered. * Minimum of 1 year experience working with children, youth and adults with exceptionalities is required. * Knowledge of autism and developmental disabilities. * Valid Ontario Driver’s License (Class G or G2), and access to a reliable vehicle and car insurance. * Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. * A clear vulnerable sector, criminal record check. * Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills. * Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, non-verb