ABOUT US
Kennedy House (KH) is a not-for-profit organization with a long-standing dedication to providing exceptional personalized care for youth in the Greater Toronto Area for over 50 years. KH started with an initial family-like group home in 1971 and currently operates several residential and community-based programs, for marginalized and at-risk youth, including:
- One residential home for young people in care;
- Three homes for youth and young adults living with developmental disabilities;
- A Day Treatment school program for youth struggling in the typical school setting;
- Kennedy House Youth Centre, a secure custody facility for male youth experiencing conflict with the law;
- Bailiff services to safely and securely transport youth experiencing conflict with the law;
- Kennedy House After School Program for children aged 4-13 in underserved communities throughout Scarborough; and
- Kennedy House Youth Shelter, for youth aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness.
KH works with youth to enable them to grow as individuals and contribute as members of the community. This is achieved by providing customized support and building trusting relationships.
To learn more about our organization and the causes we support, we strongly encourage you to visit our website.
POSITION SUMMARY
Kennedy House - Residential Services Division is looking for dynamic, consultative, and results-oriented Developmental Service professionals to join our team in the role of Developmental Service Worker (DSW).
The Residential Services Division works in conjunction with child welfare systems and other organizations to provide individualized plans of care and support. We offer a wide range of programs including but not limited to the following: time management, hygiene, transportation, nutrition, self-growth, health & safety, financial management, purchasing and utilization of community resources, job skills & employment preparation and housing & accommodation support.
Reporting to the Program Supervisor and indirectly to the Clinical Manager, the incumbent will be responsible for the care and safety of the clients residing in the residence. The DSW will provide direct/ongoing supervision and care to clients, age 12+ who live with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities, supporting their daily living environment while adhering to the organization’s policies and procedures regarding confidentiality, privacy, conflict of interest, and safety expectations.
This is Full-time on-site position located at our Residential Services Division - Manse Road.
The ideal candidate must be available to work rotating shifts, including evenings, overnights and weekends.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides case management to youth/individuals on caseload
- Provides appropriate personal and physical care as needed, including but not limited to: hygiene and toiletry, medication administration, and crisis response
- Advocates on behalf of individuals supported and liaise with family, medical, other professionals, and other service providers to address client needs
- Identifies needs of supported youth/individuals and participates in the development and implementation of life plans/plan of care to enhance clients’ capacity to function in all aspects of community living.
- Develops and implements life skills programs based on the Individual Support Plan/ Plan of Care
- Assists in monitoring achievement of personal outcomes
- Provides life skills training and emotional support to clients on a one-on-one or group basis
- Maintains documentation, monitors finances while ensuring an appropriate standard of living
- Provides direction to part-time and student placements staff as required
- Supports individuals to achieve their established goals using a strength-based approach
- Participate, attend and complete all required training meetings and/or learning programs
- Complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable legislation, and workplace-specific health and safety policies and procedures
- Performs other duties as required
EDUCATION:
- A University Degree or College Diploma with a focus on Social Services and/or Behavioral Science is required
- DSW Degree or Diploma is preferred
QUALIFICATIONS
- Prior experience specifically related to working with youth with developmental needs. This may include placement experience.
- Prior experience working as Child and Youth Care Preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of developmental needs (intellectual, emotional, physical, and social) of children and youth
- Current certification in CPR and First Aid is mandatory within 30 days of hire
- Current certification in CPI with autism awareness is recommended
- Valid Class G Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract is required
- Current (within 6 months) Police Check and Vulnerable Sector Search must be provided
- Experience in a not-for-profit government agency is considered an asset
- Broad awareness of other cultures, values, identities and perspectives with a demonstrated ability and interest in working with and for diverse populations
- Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage conflicting and/or competing priorities in an effective and efficient manner
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent assessment, interviewing, and counselling skills
- Excellent clinical skills, including experience and ability to work with and manage difficult behaviour
- Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to write legible, clear and concise reports and person-centred plans
- Maintain all required immunizations and vaccines
WHY KENNEDY HOUSE?
Kennedy House provides its employees with a combination of challenging yet exciting career opportunities, both short and long-term. Being a Kennedy House employee means that you can apply your knowledge, broaden your skills and make a valuable contribution to the organization, our clients’ lives and wellbeing, and the community you live in. Here at Kennedy House, we help the youth of today achieve their dreams of tomorrow.
Additionally, Kennedy House provides the following benefits:
- Competitive compensation package
- Group healthcare benefits (extended health, dental, and vision care)
- Life insurance
- Paid vacation
- Company matched retirement savings plan (RRSP)
- Opportunities to grow within the organization, including relocation within other the Kennedy House programs
- On-site parking
- Company events
- Casual dress code
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
HOW TO APPLY?
For consideration, qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application by using the Apply now button or by submitting a cover letter and resume to the Human Resources Manager. It is strongly recommended that applicants submit documents in pdf format.
Email: [email protected]
Quote “Developmental Service Worker” in the subject line.
Kennedy House thanks in advance all applicants who submit an application for their interest and time spent preparing their application; however, due to the high volume of candidates received, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Kennedy House is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. At Kennedy House, we are committed to a supportive work environment where employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Diversity and inclusion are a central part of our culture, and we aspire to be a workplace that is respectful to everyone. We appreciate the interest of all candidates. Due to the volumes of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: $20.14 per hour
Application question(s):
- Do you have G driver's license?
- Are you available to work overnight shifts or 7am-7pm on Sundays ? We are looking for staff who can be available on night shifts as well.
- How many years of experience do you have working with youths and what is your level of experience with computers?
Work Location: In person
