Position Scope:

Reporting to the Willowvale Supervisor, the Small Options Counselor (SOC) must have a sound knowledge of and be able to practice the principles of normalization. Empathy with participants, warmth, patience, imagination, teaching ability, creativity, and a positive approach toward community integration, are all important requirements.

Responsibilities:

Counselors provide a variety of supports for people with intellectual disabilities and long-term mental health challenges.
1. Assist participants to learn and develop skills. Develop, write, implement, support, evaluate individual support plans, in consultation with the participants, and under the supervision of the Willowvale Supervisor. Complete assessments, support plans and other reports as needed.
2. Maintain supportive, professional relationships with participants that are appropriate and promotes independence. Develop and maintain effective relationships with participants families, volunteers, community, and other service groups. Assist participants to learn social skills.
3. Support the dispensing of medications as ordered by the Physician, or, where appropriate, assist, teach or monitor participants in self administration of medication and recording of same. Support or supervise any treatments ordered by the Physician, and as directed by the Shift Supervisor.
4. Assist and instruct participants to learn nutritional menu planning, meal preparation and grocery shopping. Supervise, assist or do food preparation, as appropriate. Follow special dietary requirements as directed by consulting Dietician.
5. Maintain household cleanliness and safety. Assist, supervise and instruct participants to assume responsibility for keeping their apartments safe and clean. The degree of assistance provided will vary depending on the situation and skill level of the participant.
6. Report items that require maintenance, repair or replacement to Willowvale Supervisor, describe in maintenance notebook, or report to Shift Supervisor, as appropriate. Ensure that safety equipment, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, is in good operating condition.
7. Participate, plan and/or assist in recreational events, in house and in community.
8. Transport participants to activities and events as required, with mileage payable at prevailing rates.
9. Assist participants to prepare for more independent living arrangements, when this is an established goal.
10. Ensure sufficient supplies and petty cash are available. Keep accurate written records of expenditures.
11. Assist participants to learn money management and budgeting skills. Keep accurate written records.
12. Must demonstrate good interpersonal communication skills.
13. Must be flexible in dealing with changing situations, supports and needs of participants.
14. Must be a positive role model for participants, demonstrating respect, and providing advocacy as needed.
15. This is a position of trust in which most work is performed under indirect supervision.
16. Personal integrity, initiative and good judgment are required.
17. The ability to cooperate with other staff and work harmoniously as a member of a team is essential
18. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

? High school diploma
? Successful completion of the Disability Supports and Services 2-year diploma program and / or equivalent combination of training and experience
? Attainment of Core competencies as per Provincial standard for Rehabilitative Care Workers
? Current Crisis Prevention Intervention certificate
? Certification in Standard First Aid
? Vulnerable Sector Check
? Safe Food Handling
? WHMIS
? Recent related job experience, including the development and implementation of individual support plans
? Good oral and written communication skills; ability to write clear reports and programs, and maintain accurate charts and records

Must be willing to attend in service education, seminars, workshops, other educational events, and participate in team meetings. A good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety regulations are definite assets. Much of the work is in the community residence, but there will be some outdoor activities and events. The successful candidate must be willing to travel for remuneration and provide a satisfactory Driver's Abstract.
This is a non-union position.
We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, men, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity.