ILS (Independent Living Support) Support Worker

Job Description:

Position Scope:

Under the direction of the supervisor, the ILS Support Worker is expected to function at all times within the Philosophy and Principles, rules of work, and the Policy and Procedures Manual of the CMHA - Colchester East Hants Branch (CEH). To operate at all times from a person-centered approach, putting the needs of the client at the center of the work.

Typical Duties:

Client Physical/ Mental Health

1. To ensure the physical / mental health of all persons we support is maintained and not put at risk by other persons we support or by staff members.

2. To observe and communicate changes in physical and mental health.

3. To accompany persons we support to specific appointments when deemed necessary by the client.

4. To encourage and support regular personal hygiene habits, to report any changes to Supervisor i.e., bathing, teeth brushing, personal grooming, etc.

5. To encourage persons we support in following a healthy diet that is low in fat and sodium and to provide opportunities to work towards these goals

6. To supervise medication compliance as directed by policy

7. To ensure that each client participates and has access to physical/ recreational exercise opportunities. To accompany persons we support, to recreation/ leisure activities as required.

8. To refer persons we support to appropriate community resources, and liaise with those resources on behalf of the resident.

9. To encourage proper attire of clients as weather and activity dictates. To ensure that the persons we support have financial resources to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear for proper comfort and safety

10. To stimulate and support appropriate interactions and interpersonal relations with family and friends, as well as community-wide activities

11. To encourage and support persons we support in fulfilling their individual spiritual needs.

Client Programming / Support

1. To support and supervise all life skills necessary to attain levels of optimum independence. These skills include, but are not limited to independent living skills, life skills, household management skills, socialization, sexuality, etc.

2. To identify the persons we support individual needs and to develop, implement and evaluate programs to meet these needs in cooperation with the program team.

3. To provide emotional support and understanding of the impact of specific mental illnesses.

4. To supervise and/or assist with persons we support’ activities and responsibilities. To advocate for access to these opportunities.

5. To monitor persons we support’ activities and interactions, and to provide support in order to keep these relationships, whenever possible, as positive as possible

6. To keep all files, records, reports, logs, approvals, etc. up to date and in a legible professional manner.

7. To continuously access and report ongoing progress. To provide early intervention in order to minimize potential of person becoming unwell.

8. To carry out formal assessments of persons we support’ skills and progress and provide written quarterlies every three (3) months.

9. To maintain and upgrade an awareness and use of community resources.

10. To offer staff support to other programs as required.

Communication

1. To assist in developing an interdependent team approach in the day to day functioning of the ILS office. To “pitch in” whenever necessary to support the needs of and offer support to all aspects of a positive and effective team.

2. To communicate with the supervisor, staff team, persons we support, family members, municipal workers, doctors, advocates, neighbors, landlords, community services, employers, etc.

3. To be responsible for assessments, program plans, monthly progress reports, daily logs, medication charts and appointments, incident reports, and keeping resident files up to date.

4. To read the Communication Log/ Quick Reference at the beginning of shift and when returning from appointments. To answer telephone and record messages whenever in office

5. To attend and participate in meetings/ professional development as required.

6. To promote an atmosphere that is conductive to a compassionate and friendly atmosphere, while maintaining consistent professional boundaries

7. To provide orientation and training to new employees, volunteers and students.

Safety/ Maintenance

1. To make appropriate decisions and take appropriate action in time of crisis/ crisis prevention.

2. To follow policies and procedures and uphold standards. To remember that a staff member represents CMHA Colchester East Hants at all times, whether on or off duty.

3. To encourage the client toward a home that is clean, tidy and in a well- kept condition at all times.

4. To be familiar with and be able to implement the Emergency Plan and other safety measures as needed.

5. To ensure security of records and medications upon leaving office.

General

1. To act at all times as a role model for the persons we support.

2. To be responsible for the operation of the home and for the safety and total physical, mental and social well- being of the persons we support in the absence of the Supervisor.

3. To work flexible shifts as needed and as the needs of the program and/ or CMHA CEH dictates.

4. To follow the Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy

5. To perform other related duties as required.

Factors present in the position: Knowledge/ Special Skills required:

Must have University degree, Community College diploma or equivalent with a concentration in a related field and one-year experience or a combination of education, training, and related work experience equal to three years in the field.

Must be able to communicate well both verbally and in writing. Must be able to organize time effectively. Must be able to portray a positive image when representing the Association. Must be patient and empathetic.

Judgment and Initiative

Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must have the ability to make independent decisions and good judgments in times of crisis.

Must be independently motivated. ILS Employees are required to exercise good judgement and to demonstrate self- confidence in performing the job. They are also required to work independent of constant direction and supervision.

Nature and Extent of Contacts

A. Within Government - Contact with government, as needed, for a resident/client related issue (i.e. Municipal placement officers) as per policy and procedure.

B. Outside Government - Works cooperatively with a multitude of community agencies and organizations

Type and Level of Supervision Exercised

May be required to assist in orienting/ providing guidance to new staff, students and volunteers.

The Support Worker may be required to work without direct supervision while receiving direction, advice and assistance from the Supervisor/ Director.

Responsibility for Decisions Affecting cost/ Responsibility for Equipment and Materials

A. Direct responsibility - Responsible for the care and cleanliness of the branch office, its equipment and furnishings. Responsible for reporting necessary maintenance needs of the agency environment (OH & S)

B. Indirect responsibility - As a staff of a non- profit organization responsible for meeting all legal requirements under legislation governing that status. Compulsory training and certifications must be completed according to the expectations of each, and as provided.

Physical, Mental & Visual Demands

Potential for emotional burnout and mental demands can be high. Must be capable of working in a crisis situation, ever-changing demands on your time. Must be adaptable and flexible with good insight, with demonstrated ability to manage emotions constructively.

Physical and Mental Demands: Average to above Average. The Support Worker may be required to lift up to 50 pounds but they are encouraged to assess their own individual abilities and act according to these, and ask for assistance when necessary.

Visual Demands: Average

Working Environment (unavoidable hazards)

Crisis situations that may place the safety and wellbeing of staff and/or persons we support in jeopardy is occasional (i.e. severe behaviors, suicide threats and attempts, verbal/ physical abuse, etc.). There is the possibility of contracting a contagious disease, which can happen during the normal interactions between adults in close proximity.

Additional Information

This position demands a personal, as well as a professional commitment to deinstitutionalization, normalization, growth and independence within the community.

Job Types: Full-time, Casual

Salary: From $22.44 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
All staff must be vaccinated.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Colchester, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• Must be willing to go in to clients' homes (within Colchester East Hants areas).

Education:

• DCS / DEC (preferred)

Experience:

• Support Worker: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driver's License and 2 million in liability insurance (required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2023-05-15

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