Job Posting: Complex Needs Support Specialist
Position: Complex Needs Support Specialist
Employment Type: Part-Time, Casual, Relief Support
Location: Mississauga & Caledon, Ontario (Day Program, Community & Residential Services)
Reports To: Program Supervisor / Clinical Lead
Position Overview:
Rise Respite Resource Solutions Inc. and Rise 2.0 Specialized Care Home are seeking compassionate, experienced, and highly motivated Complex Needs Support Specialists to join our growing team.
This position is designed for professionals who are passionate about supporting teenagers (14 years of age and older), young adults, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and complex developmental, behavioural, communication, and personal support needs. Our specialists provide a unique combination of developmental support, behavioural intervention, personal care, life-skills instruction, and community inclusion while working alongside Behaviour Analysts, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and other multidisciplinary professionals.
This is more than a traditional DSW or PSW role. Our Complex Needs Support Specialists play a vital role in implementing individualized clinical programming, promoting emotional regulation, fostering independence, teaching functional life skills, and supporting meaningful community participation. Through person-centred, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practices, our team empowers individuals to reach their fullest potential while ensuring their safety, dignity, and overall quality of life.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide individualized support to teenagers (14+), young adults, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and complex developmental and behavioral support needs in residential, day program, and community settings.
- Assist individuals with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, dressing, toileting, feeding, mobility, medication administration (as trained), and household responsibilities.
- Implement Individual Support Plans (ISPs), Behavior Support Plans (BSPs), Safety Plans, and clinician-developed programming created by Behavior Analysts, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and other allied health professionals.
- Utilize proactive behaviour support strategies and approved crisis intervention techniques (UMAB, CPI, NVCI, or equivalent) while maintaining the dignity and safety of all individuals.
- Teach and reinforce independent living skills, communication, emotional regulation, social development, vocational readiness, and community participation.
- Facilitate structured recreational activities, therapeutic programming, volunteer opportunities, and community outings that promote independence and meaningful engagement.
- Collect behavioural data and complete objective documentation, daily logs, medication records, progress notes, and incident reports in accordance with organizational policies and MCCSS standards.
- Maintain a safe, clean, structured, and supportive environment while adhering to infection prevention, health and safety, and emergency procedures.
- Collaborate with families, supervisors, clinicians, educators, and multidisciplinary professionals to ensure consistency and continuity of care.
- Safely transport individuals to educational programs, appointments, recreational activities, volunteer placements, employment opportunities, and community outings using employer-provided vehicles.
- Act as a positive role model by demonstrating professionalism, compassion, patience, and respect while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
Qualifications & RequirementsRequired Qualifications
- Diploma in Developmental Services Worker (DSW), Personal Support Worker (PSW), Child & Youth Care (CYC), Social Service Worker (SSW), Behavioral Science, Psychology, or another related Human Services discipline.
- Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience supporting teenagers (14 years of age and older), young adults, or adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, developmental disabilities, and complex behavioral support needs.
- Demonstrated experience supporting individuals with significant emotional dysregulation, aggression, self-injurious behaviors (SIB), property destruction, or other high-risk behaviors.
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License with a clean driving abstract.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification.
- Current UMAB certification or equivalent crisis intervention training (CPI, NVCI, etc.).
- Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check completed within the past three months.
- Ability to work rotating shifts including days, evenings, weekends, statutory holidays, awake overnight shifts, and emergency coverage when required.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing, walking, lifting, transferring, and safely responding to behavioural escalations.
Working Environment
Complex Needs Support Specialists work across a variety of environments, including:
- Specialized Day Programs
- Residential Care Homes
- Community-based recreational and vocational settings
- Clinical programming environments
The role requires flexibility, physical activity, community participation, and the ability to adapt to changing client needs and schedules. Staff should be comfortable working in sensory-rich environments and responding appropriately to behavioral challenges while maintaining professionalism and safety.
Why Join Rise?
At Rise, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional people.
When you join our team, you'll become part of an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with autism and developmental disabilities through innovation, compassion, and excellence.
We offer:
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive orientation and ongoing training
- Clinical mentorship and professional development opportunities
- Opportunities to work alongside Behaviour Analysts, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists
- Meaningful, purpose-driven work that changes lives
- Supportive leadership and collaborative team culture
- Opportunities for advancement within a growing organization
- Employer-provided vehicles for community programming
- A workplace culture built on respect, integrity, teamwork, and continuous learning
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume along with two professional references.
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Rise Respite Resource Solutions Inc. and Rise 2.0 Specialized Care Home. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $23.50-$30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 30.0 – 45.0 per week
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
