Full Time Day Program Instructor with Caseload (union position)

at  The Salvation Army

We are currently hiring a Full-time Day Program Instructor with Caseload. This position reports to the Program Manager and is currently assigned to work in the Toronto, Ontario (DVP & Lawrence Avenue) & (Broadview Ave & O’Connor Drive) area. This is a full-time position that works 40 hours per week currently scheduled Monday to Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (1 shift a week at DVP & Lawrence Avenue location & 4 shifts a week at Broadview Avenue & O’Connor Drive location) flexible to meet program needs.
The Day Program Instructor will promote opportunities to develop social skills (coping strategies, appropriate interactions and relationships, mindfulness), life skills (cooking, self-care), and Community Participation Activities.
This position also requires someone who has a passion for and takes initiative in the creation and implementation of programming. The capacity to work collaboratively within a team is required, as well as with a large number of stakeholders including: healthcare professionals, consultants, colleagues, community members, family members and friends. This position also requires a resilient direct support professional who is confident in navigating conflict, overcoming obstacles, and who is creative in providing support to individuals in crisis.
The Day Program Instructor provides support to program participants within established policies and procedures including: Employment Standards, Salvation Army Accreditation, and Services & Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Completed 2-3 year Developmental Services Worker Diploma or other equivalent degree/diploma related to human services
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR, Level C
• Ability to achieve Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certificate upon hire
• It is an expectation of the role to be certified in Standard First Aid/ CPR and NCI and use it in practice on a regular basis
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License and a current copy of a Driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, an asset

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Preferred minimum 2-5 years’ experience working with people with developmental disabilities and preferably working with individuals who have a dual diagnosis of mental health challenges and developmental disabilities
• Experience with case management or prime worker role and responsibilities
• Experience with implementing and updating Individual Support Plans (ISP)
• Experience in community outreach
• Medication administration experience preferred
• Training and/or experience in personal care (assisting with G-tube feeding, continence devices…)
• Training and/or experience in supporting individuals through ambulates, mobilizers, transfers.7

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Strong counselling/de-escalation skills required
• Teaching skills (demonstrated ability to implement various teaching approaches and group instructor skills)
• Proficient computer skills needed in Microsoft Office and email programs
• Ability to successfully complete all mandatory training as required by the agency
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening, completed no less than 2 months prior to date of hire
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities

• Act as a role model for the people we support as reflected by appearance, behaviour and attitude; act as advocate on individual’s behalf/facilitate self advocacy to community supports
• Caseload responsibilities, creating support protocols, completing behavioural and mental health assessments, and ensuring completion of medical assessments and reports
• Foster independence in daily living skills (social skills, life skills and community participation)
• Provide support in personal development as decided through individual program planning (ISP)
• Know and respond to the safety and health care of the people we support
• Provide teaching and support to Enrichment Program participants
• Document and maintain records as required (data collection, medication administration)
• Administer medication
• Ensure learning opportunities are provided using agency and community resources
• Maintain effective communication
• Provide ideas and feedback on program content
• Participate in monthly planning and share responsibility of preparing monthly program calendar as assigned
• Participate in Providing orientation and support to family members, volunteers and new staff
• Provide support and guidance to co-workers, placement students and/or volunteers and agency staff (i.e. agency staff)
• Represent BVEP participants and staff on committees and at other meetings as delegated
• Ensure learning opportunities are provided using agency and community resources
• Follow and promote the agency and program goals and philosophies
• Attend and participate in program planning meetings and staff development training at the discretion of management
• Maintain up-to-date working knowledge of all relevant legislation associated with the program, and keep ethical and legal responsibilities with individuals we support and others associated with the agency