ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICE WORKER (APSW)

POSITION SUMMARY:

In support of the mission and mandate of Family Services Windsor-Essex (FSWE), the incumbent provides support and advocacy services to adults with a developmental disability to assist them to live independently in the community.

The Adult Protective Service Worker (APSW) assists adults with developmental disabilities to become fully integrated into all aspects of community life (i.e. education, employment, recreation, home, social, etc.).

The APSW fulfils roles in the areas of individual and systemic advocacy and rights support; personal planning support; assistance with access to resources; support in the co-ordination of resources and the development of personal support networks; financial support including voluntary trusteeships; community development and education with, and on behalf of seniors and adults with disabilities, their families, and significant others.

While some contacts may be brief, generally the service relies on the development of a trusting and empowering relationship between the Individual/Family and the APSW.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SERVICE DELIVERY

Provides services to Agency clients by:

• Accepting requests for service from Development Services Ontario (DSO).
• Conducting assessments of individuals to determine eligibility for the program.
• Meeting with individuals to establish goals for service.
• Working with the people being supported to realize established goals and monitoring these goals on an ongoing basis.
• Working with the people being supported to assist them to acquire the skills and resources necessary to live independently in the community.
• Coaching and teaching people receiving support, life-skills, and practical knowledge to support independent living.
• Advocating on behalf of people who are supported by the program.
• Working in cooperation with other community services to identify needs of those receiving support and making appropriate referrals by providing accurate referral information to the individuals receiving support, following the principles of user self-determination.
• Maintaining copies of accurate and complete information and forms on all individuals receiving support in an organized and clearly labelled manner for the production of required statistics monthly.

In providing services to people supported by the Agency:

• The APSW may advocate along with, or on behalf of people whose rights to services, or opportunities may actually or potentially be comprised. This includes advising people of their choices and/or rights and responsibilities and/or potential consequences. This may include but not be limited to assistance in contacting an MPP, writing letters, making phone calls, obtaining a lawyer, interfacing with Children's Aid Societies or other service providers, landlords, employers, educational systems, family members, etc.
• The style of advocacy is intended to be non-confrontational and relies heavily on mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• The goal is to promote and support self-advocacy for the individual.
• Some systemic advocacy is achieved around issues affecting all people with disabilities through involvement with our provincial association and participation on various local and provincial committees aimed at system change.
• Planning & Personal Support: All referrals to the APSW Program are voluntary. Calls may be received from the individual, a family member, service provider etc. Involvement is always based on the direction of the individual with the disability and is based on a holistic perspective.
• The focus in urgent situations is to respond to immediate need. In non-urgent situations or once the urgent situation is resolved, the individual will be supported to develop a more long-term plan which maximizes their personal, family and community resources and which may be supplemented by paid resources where necessary. The individual will be supported throughout this process and assisted in developing a personal support network to coordinate resources and support decision-making. The APSW may or may not become a member of this support network depending on the wishes and needs of the individual and/or their support network.
• Other kinds of personal support may include multi-faceted issues ranging from assisting someone in filling out a form to offering supportive counselling to intervention strategies.
• While some contacts may occur in our office, either by appointment or on a drop-in basis, most contact occurs in the community (i.e. in people's homes, workplaces, rest and boarding homes, nursing homes, police stations, courts, coffee shops etc.)
• The APSW may aid in locating and moving into an apartment, in negotiating “the system” (i.e. trying to function in a maze of services and bureaucratic procedures can be confusing and overwhelming), in dealing with the judicial system (i.e. getting legal aid/lawyer, going to court, involving police).
• The APSW will ensure the individual's access to the necessities of life, and their ability to exercise their legal rights. Every effort is made to respect and support the individual's relationship to significant others (i.e. family, friends, etc.).

Financial Supports - Trusteeship

• Every effort is made to support the individual in managing their own finances (ie. budgeting support, education regarding spending, grocery shopping etc.).
• The APSW may also enlist the support of the Voluntary Trusteeship Program Bookkeeper at Family Services Windsor-Essex to assist the individual with their finances. The budget is determined in consultation with the individual. The trustee agreement is voluntary and may be altered or terminated at any time if the individual wishes to take on more financial responsibility because of increased skills in that area or for any other reason the individual identifies. Initial requests for trustee support often underlie more complex issues which can be addressed once financial stability is established.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT

• Meeting regularly with the Community Programs Manager to examine and review the Advocacy Programs and their impact on those we support.
• Suggesting recommendations for new or enhanced program development and administration, relative to community needs.
• Participating in FSWE file review process and monthly team meetings.
• Assisting with the development of outcomes for the Community Programs.
• Assisting the Intake Social Worker with the collection of statistical information for the purposes of reporting to funders.
• Assisting the Executive Director, Community Programs Manager, and Customer Care Department with the compilation of data and statistics.

COMMUNITY LIASON

• Attending community meetings, forums and luncheons to maintain the Agency's information resources on other community programs and services.
• Speaking about the programs of FSWE and the APSW Program at workshops and community events as requested by the Executive Director or Program Managers.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:

(a) Minimum level of formal education, or equivalent required:

• Social Work Degree is preferred (BSW)

(b) Other required certifications:

• First Aid and CPR preferred.

(c) Special skills or training, or knowledge:

· Knowledge of community resources in Windsor and Essex County is essential.

· Knowledge of programs and services for adults with a developmental disability.

· Excellent conflict resolution skills and some counselling skills.

· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

· Strong advocacy skills on behalf of vulnerable individuals.

· Financial Literacy Training

· Demonstrated compassion toward people with disabilities and understanding of the discrimination faced by people with disabilities.

· Proven computer literacy.

· Experience using Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

· Must have a valid driver's license, automobile insurance, and use of your own vehicle.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum amount of work-related experience required:
• 5 years experience in the field of developmental services preferred.
• Experience working with adults with disabilities is an asset.

INITIATIVE - INDEPENDENCE OF ACTION

The incumbent is someone who is capable of working with minimal supervision; an individual who takes initiative in completing tasks; and is a team player. The incumbent has moderate latitude for decision-making within the parameters of Agency policies, practices, guidelines and standards and those of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Any deviation from Agency policies and practices must be discussed with the Executive Director in advance. The incumbent does not have latitude to negotiate contracts, expend funds, or make any program or service delivery changes without the express permission of the Executive Director in consultation with the relative Program Manager. The incumbent takes direction from and reports directly to the Community Programs Manager. Incumbent takes direction from and reports directly to the Community Programs Manager.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Provision of poor program or service delivery would adversely impact our clients, stakeholders, and others that we support, and/or put a person with a disability at risk, damaging the reputation of the Agency in the community. This could negatively impact funding.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works within the office environment. In home/community visits with clients are required. Occasional travel may also be required in the community to attend meetings and workshops.

Family Services Windsor-Essex is an equal opportunity employer, strongly committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and justice within our community and team. We applications from people who reflect the diversity of our community, including members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

Does this sound like you?

Please forward your cover letter and resume by email to [email protected]

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Family Services Windsor-Essex is committed to providing a barrier-free interview process and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Family Services Windsor-Essex will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process; if you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please let us know if you require accommodation.