Autism Support Workers (multiple positions available).

AUTISM SUPPORT WORKERS

Department:     Group Services 

Reports To:  Program Supervisor, Group Services 

Location: 164 Merton St 

POSITION SUMMARY

Autism Support Workers work directly with children, youth and adults with Autism in group/camp settings assisting to develop communication, social and life skills.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support children, youth, and adults with ASD to participate in an in-centre and community-based respite setting.

• Provide direct care to the participants which includes support with personal care (including toileting) and programming.

• Support and encourage participants in engaging in a variety of interactive scheduled activities that support both recreational and individualized goals. Community outings can include but are not limited to: Swimming, movie theatres, museums, events, traveling on the TTC, etc. 

• Responsible for the health and safety of the client at all times.  This includes but not limited to:

  • Reviewing, and retaining specific client information/protocols (and GCA policies)

  • Able to support and monitor all aspects related to the client who may require assistance with basic activities of daily living. 

  • Able to successfully engage clients in the community and address and/or de-escalate potential concerns from community members during outings. 

  • Attention and judgment is required when in the community to be able to respond to client behaviours (ie., elopement).

  • Implementation of crisis management techniques where necessary using Crisis Prevention and Intervention.

• Ensure adequate materials (i.e., visual aids, programming materials, etc.) are available and ready for use each shift. 

• Actively participate in program planning with team members during preparation time. This includes the required training and participation in team meetings.

• Complete daily progress reports on each participant and other documentation, as required. 

• Maintain regular contact with the Supervisors/Manager regarding all issues pertaining to the program.

• Maintain a clean and organized work/office area.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of secondary school and a previous experience working with children, youth or adults with ASD

• Valid CPR Level C Certification 

• Pass Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training and be able to identify, manage and de-escalate challenging client behaviours (training to be provided by the GCA).

• University/college education in a relevant discipline strongly preferred.

• Understanding of the principles of applied behaviour analysis 

• Demonstrated problem solving, judgement, mental flexibility, and crisis management skills.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Be reliable, dependable and adaptable.

• Satisfactory current Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Records Check

• Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19

• Must be able to lift up to 50lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Challenging client behaviours including aggression and self-injurious behaviours

• Use of CPI (training is provided)

• Loud environment of visual, auditory, or other sensory stimuli present. 

HOURS: Part-time, up to 24 hours per week, no guarantee of hours.

SALARY:  $25/hr plus 4% vacation pay