Specialized Program Support Worker
About The MindShift Academy Company
The MindShift Academy is a client-centered developmental services program supporting young adults (18+) with autism, developmental disabilities, and neurodiverse needs.
We are not a passive care or supervision service.
We are a skills-based, outcome-driven learning program focused on helping individuals build meaningful independence in real life.
Our goal is to prepare participants for long-term independence, community participation, and future success in education, employment pathways, and adult living skills, similar to how families invest in post-secondary education, we focus on building the foundational life skills needed for adulthood and independence.
We believe:
People learn best through doing, guided practice, and real-world experiences.
Our program focuses on:
- Life independence skills
- Executive functioning development
- Behavioural and emotional regulation support
- Communication and social skills
- Community integration and participation
- Hands-on learning (cooking, budgeting, transit, routines, etc.)
Job Overview
We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and confident Behavioural Support & Life Skills Coach to support young adults in building independence, confidence, and practical life skills.
This is an active coaching role, not a passive caregiving position.
You will be teaching, guiding, and supporting individuals in real-world environments while helping them develop the skills needed for greater independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Implement individualized support and learning plans based on participant goals
- Teach and coach daily living skills (cooking, hygiene, cleaning, budgeting, routines, time management)
- Support executive functioning development (planning, organization, task completion, transitions)
- Provide behavioural and emotional support using calm, respectful, and evidence-informed strategies
- Assist participants during community outings (transit, shopping, recreation, appointments)
- Encourage independence by using prompting, modelling, and gradual fading of support
- Support communication development using clear, respectful, and effective communication strategies
- Accurately document participant progress, behaviours, and daily notes
- Collaborate with families, caregivers, and team members to ensure consistency of support
- Maintain a safe, structured, and respectful learning environment
What Success Looks Like in This Role
A strong team member will:
- Focus on teaching independence, not doing tasks for participants
- Help participants build confidence through repeated real-life practice
- Understand behaviour as communication and respond calmly and professionally
- Support individuals in becoming more independent over time
- Act as a coach, mentor, and guide, not just a support worker
Requirements
- Experience working with individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or neurodiverse needs (2+ years preferred in Canada)
- Experience in community-based support, day programs, or behavioural support settings
- Strong communication skills (spoken and written English is essential)
- Ability to support individuals with varying levels of need (mild to high support requirements)
- Knowledge of or experience teaching life skills (cooking, routines, budgeting, etc.)
- Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations
- Compassionate, respectful, and strengths-based mindset
- Valid PSW, DSW, or related certification (required)
- CPR/First Aid and Vulnerable Sector Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Flexibility for community-based programming (occasional evenings, weekends is required)
Pay: $17.92-$23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- you have Experience working with individuals 18+ with autism, developmental disabilities, or neurodiverse needs (2+ years preferred in Canada)
- you have Experience in community-based support, day programs, or behavioural support settings
- YOU HAVE Strong communication skills (spoken and written English is essential)
- YOU HAVE Knowledge of or experience teaching life skills (cooking, routines, budgeting, etc.)
- YOU HAVE A CURRENT • Valid PSW, DSW, or related certification (required)
- YOU HAVE A CURRENT CPR/First Aid and Vulnerable Sector Check
- YOU HAVE Flexibility for community-based programming (occasional evenings, weekends is required)
- YOU UNDERSTAND Time management?
Location:
- Etobicoke, ON M8W 1P2 (required)
Work Location: In person
