Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region·Kitchener, Ontario
Establish positive relationships with individuals with disabilities to help them reach their goals and foster independence. Plan and implement support activities while adhering to health, safety, and organizational policies.
Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone?
So do we!
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) was founded on the values of working with people with disabilities to grow their social relationships and be seen and valued as full contributing citizens in our community.
If this sounds exciting to you, come join our dynamic team to help bring these values to life in our community.
As a Direct Support Person, you are one of the key front line support providers who engage in establishing a positive relationship with the people we support. You are motivated to help people reach their goals and foster their independence while also respecting the person’s thoughts and feelings and dignity. You are guided by compassion, care and responsibility. You readily display these attitudes and ideals in your relationship with the person being supported and in your representation of EAFWR as an organization wherever you are.
We, at Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR), recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systematic barriers, and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not exceed the requirements listed in a job posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification in order to apply.
The following questions and personal traits will guide the work of every direct support person who provides support.
Display Evolving level competency which is defined as “intentional growth of oneself and valuing other’s perspectives. They exhibit the competency consistently in more than one context and promote positive opportunities for change beyond themselves.” Competencies required in this role:
Flexibility – How can I provide what the situation needs?
Self-Control – How do I demonstrate poise under pressure?
Self-Development – How do I continually improve my skills and knowledge?
Service Orientation – How have I given the best service with the best options that I can?
Valuing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) – How am I an authentic ambassador of my organization’s values and principles? Am I showing respect and striving to understand the customs, values, and cultures of the people with whom I interact?
Display Evolving level competency which is defined as “intentional growth of oneself and valuing other’s perspectives. They exhibit the competency consistently in more than one context and promote positive opportunities for change beyond themselves.” Competencies required in this role:
Advocacy - How can I get others to understand the importance of this issue and support this point of view?
Building Relationships - How do I nurture cooperative relationships to build rapport and trust with others?
Facilitating Growth & Development - How can I help others reach their goals and embrace their independence and their autonomy?
Problem-Solving & Decision Making - How can I/we think about or do this differently?
Resilience - How am I staying optimistic about our goals and positively enhancing the situation?
EAFWR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systemic barriers and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not meet/exceed the requirements listed in a posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, and candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to apply. Candidates are encouraged to seek accommodations to support their application.
A single contract can be anywhere from 2 to 5 hours per week with the potential to take on multiple contracts and increase your hours
While there is flexibility to fit around your schedule, most of the opportunities currently available require evening and/or weekend work
The pay rate is $20.34/hr + 6% vacation pay. Expenses such as car mileage are covered.
Responsibilities: And functions:
Reporting to the person being supported, their family, and a designated EAFWR Support Coordinator, the contract support person could be asked to perform a variety of support activities, which varies based on the person/people that they are supporting. Overall, the DSP will be responsible for the following tasks:
Plan and implement supports /activities designed to assist the person being supported in achieving goals outlined in the funding contract
Establish and maintain a respectful relationship with the person being supported
Engage in open and honest communication with the person being supported, their family and the designated Support Coordinator
Be aware of and adhere to EAFWR’s Health and Safety Policies and Procedures and maintain a safe work environment for yourself and the person being supported
Maintain awareness of and adherence to EAFWR procedures dealing with serious and/or unusual incidents
Extend-A-Family is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have the same opportunity of access to employment.
To apply for this position, please follow the application process on ADP Workforce Now. A resume is required, and you may also include a cover letter outlining your interest in the position.
Requires a secondary school diploma and must be at least 18 years old. A valid G2 license and reliable vehicle are strong assets, along with experience in the developmental services sector.
Market context
Physician roles in Ontario are typically in steady demand, especially in community-based and primary care settings. Competition is often shaped by licensure requirements, specialty certification, and experience working with diverse populations; for this role, an MD, CCFP, CPSO licensure, and valued experience with Indigenous communities and anti-oppressive practice stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your CPSO status and tailor your application to community care experience.
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