Our Direct Support Workers have a college diploma in a related field, positive personal references and a rigorous background check including a criminal reference check and a vulnerable sector screening.

In addition, they are trained in the following areas:

• Understanding of persons and families with complex care needs
• Policy and Procedures
• Aspects of confidentiality
• First Aid and CPR
• Emergency (fire, evacuation etc.) procedures
• Medication Administration
• Development of individualized Care and Support plans
• Quality Assurance and Accountability

Support staff understand and are committed to the time, effort, creativity and diplomacy required to ensure the best possible experience for the individuals in our care.

The Supervised Behaviour Technician works as part of a multi-disciplinary, professional, support-based model to deliver individualized behaviour-based treatment plans for individuals with social, emotional, psychological and behavioural challenges. They work closely with a variety of other roles including Direct Support Workers, Registered Behavioural Analysts, psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, schools, and other community placements.

Our Supervised Behaviour Technicians have the following skills and qualifications:

• Post secondary education in relevant field

• Experience in the social services field, particularly in residential treatment for developmental adults and/or children with complex developmental needs, autism spectrum disorder, Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, mental illness, and dual diagnosis

• Experience with behaviours such as aggression and self-injury.

• Familiarity with Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) regulatory requirements – mainly Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA) and Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) – along with Quality Assurance Management (QAM) requirements related to residential programs

• Ability to help develop and implement intervention strategies and programs

• Experience and comfort with staff training and support and providing feedback/direction

• Strong interpersonal skills that will support collaboration with a team of caregivers

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

The Registered Behaviour Analyst is responsible for making clinical decisions for our supported individuals and for the performance of the duties related to Applied Behaviour Analysis services provided to those individuals.

In addition to the skills and qualifications for a Supervised Behaviour Technician, our Registered Behaviour Analysts also have the following skills and qualifications:

• Member of the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analyst of Ontario with an RBA certification according to changes that went into effect on July 1, 2024

• Minimum of 2 years of previous related experience working in the social services field implementing intensive behavioural intervention plans, ideally in a group home setting for developmental adults and/or children with complex developmental needs, autism spectrum disorder, Schizophrenic spectrum disorders, mental illness and particularly for individuals with complex behaviours such as aggression and self-injury

• Experience with and sound knowledge of Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) regulatory requirements – mainly Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 (SIPDDA) and Child, Youth, and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) – along with Quality Assurance Management (QAM) requirements related to residential programs

• Ability to consolidate and interpret data and graphs and on that basis develop and implement intervention strategies and treatment programs

We strive to develop ambassadors across the organization who consistently demonstrate and apprentice others in living our Cornerstones of Care and Service Principles. Specifically, we have both formal and informal leaders who are expected to bring these commitments to life in the following ways:

• Role model our commitments in day-to-day interactions and decision-making

• Reference our commitments in real-time situations to highlight their importance

• Conduct formal and informal training on what it means to live our commitments

• Regularly recognize and celebrate adoption of our commitments