Job Title: Community Housing Support Worker - ASL

Location: Nanaimo

Position Type: Casual with potential for permanent position

Schedule: Casual to start

Wage: $24.41 - $27.89 per hour

Job Summary

Bonaventure Support Services is a dynamic and expanding social service agency on Vancouver Island. We offer a broad range of services, supports, and opportunities to adults, children, and youth with diverse abilities. Our focus is person-centered with goal-directed options, encouraging full participation in the community. If you have some knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL) and a desire to expand your skills, and are passionate about upholding the rights of youth to communicate their preferences and access their community, we invite you to join our inclusive and supportive team.

If you'd like to help people discover their own strengths, learn to speak up for themselves, and be active members of their community, then think about joining Bonaventure. We provide on-the-job training, ongoing support, and flexible schedules to suit your life. It's an inclusive work environment where you can grow, learn, and thrive. If you can see yourself helping others live life on their own terms, this is the place for you.

As a Community Housing Support Worker, you will follow the Program Manager's direction and work as part of a team to support individuals' daily living needs in their homes and the community. You will enhance their quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, social, recreational, economic, educational, and medical needs. A key component of this role includes crisis intervention, risk management, and promoting positive behavioral strategies by recognizing behavior as communication.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals with the activities of daily living involving their personal and health care, behavioural, nutritional, recreational, social, vocational, educational, and environmental needs as identified in their person-centered plans (PCP).
• Provide support and advocate choice, while assisting individuals in their physical, social, emotional, recreational, economic, educational, and vocational life skill development.
• Adhere to any relevant Legislation and Regulations (Motor Vehicle Act, CLBC, MCFD, CARF, WorkSafe-BC, Employment Standards).
• Work in collaboration with MCFD, CLBC, VIHA, DDMHT, HSCL, Behavior Consultants, etc. and the Bonaventure Leadership team.
• Ensure clear, courteous, and inclusive interactions with supported individuals by communicating with them effectively in American Sign Language (ASL).
• Apply a strong understanding of Deaf culture or show that you are eager to learn about and accept Deaf awareness and culture.
• Uphold the Policies and Procedures of Bonaventure Support Services while modelling our Mission Statement, Values and Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate a high degree of tolerance and respect for a supported individual's unique personality and challenges, while promoting one's dignity and rights.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing ASL learning, maintaining and continually developing ASL learning.
• Perform all duties in a safe, efficient manner upholding the health and safety requirements of the program and report any health or safety concerns.
• To support and promote a friendly and effective working relationship with family and team members.
• Apply crisis intervention and risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• Preferred formal education (Diploma or Degree, CSW, RCA, SIVA etc.) and/or work experience with persons with diverse-abilities and/or other relevant experience.
• Some American Sign Language is required, with enthusiasm to continue learning to Level 3 and beyond!
• Strong knowledge of Deaf culture, or a willingness to learn about and embrace Deaf culture and awareness.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal behavior and communication skills
• The desire and ability to work with persons with diverse-abilities and demonstrate personal suitability to promote dignity, independence, individuality.
• Ability to work independently in a high stress environment.
• Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities, particularly those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, is preferred but not required.
• Must be in good health with the physical ability to carry out the duties of the position and shift responsibilities.

Required Documentation

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver's License.
• RCMP Criminal Record Check (Schedule A - Employer will file).
• MCFD Hub Screening (Employer will file).
• First Aid with CPR Certificate.
• Food Safe Level 1 Certificate.

• Immunization Records or Medical Exemption.
• Signed Bonaventure Hire Package.

• 3 References - (One must be a most recent employer, second and third must be able to speak to your ability to work with vulnerable youths).
• Physician's Declaration.
• TB Screen.
• ASL certification by a recognized organization.

You may apply for one job posting only, and the selected posting will be the position for which you will be interviewed. Please note only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview. Thank you for your interest in Bonaventure Support Services.