Are you looking for a meaningful career full of lifelong learning and everyday adventures? 

At Kerry’s Place, we help enhance the quality of life for more than 8000 people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year! Our dedicated team of professionals have become experts in the field through our continuous training and development programs. Get ready for a fun and vibrant career because every day is an adventure at Kerry’s Place! 

Why Join our Team? 

We offer an amazing compensation package with a strong focus on health and wellness. We`re proud to offer our employees:  

• 4 Weeks of Paid Vacation per year to start
• Additional 2 Paid Flex Days annually
• Employer Paid Group Benefits Program
• Employer Matched Pension Program (3% employer match)
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (optional)
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Employer-Paid Training Programs
• Corporate Membership discount for Goodlife Fitness
• Career Development & Internal Growth Opportunities Available

About the Role:

Reporting to the Manager Services and Supports, the Autism Support Associate is responsible to take lead to ensure that the day to day support provided to people with Autism meets the expectations of persons supported to enhance their quality of life. The support provided must also align with the values of Kerry’s Place Autism Services and meet the goals and expectations of the agency. The Autism Support Associate, as the liaison, leads the team to provide services aimed at maximizing health and safety and personal fulfillment of people with Autism. Responsibilities may include:

• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and act according to Kerry’s Place Autism Services Performance Standards, demonstrating respect for all people
• Use creativity and resourcefulness to ensure that quality of life principles are effectively applied for the people supported.  Every effort must be made to enhance and maintain the person’s dignity and respect
• Provide solutions to barriers impacting achievement of quality of life
• Act as the primary liaison with: family, medical, educational, leisure and recreational contacts
• Provide leadership and coaching to other employees to continuously improve the quality of service and the work environment
• Ensure Person Centered Planning is effectively implemented and individual’s goals are being realized in a timely way
• Provide appropriate supports to ensure the health and safety of the people supported and ensure compliance to Policies and Procedures associated with Health and Safety and Abuse Prevention
• Ensure that, Behaviour Support Plan and skill-building strategies are consistently implemented, as directed by the Clinical Therapist and/or the Clinical Supervisor (Registered Behaviour Analyst), as well as the manager.  Observation of implementation and supervision of Clinical support strategies will occur using the method and frequency appropriate for the needs of the individual. (Where applicable)
• Identify when the support of appropriate professionals are required and enlist these supports.  Document and report Incidents and Serious Occurrences immediately
• Provide support and coaching in the areas of: social skills, communication, vocation, daily living skills and leisure activities
• Provide leadership in identifying & achieving Personal Outcomes as defined by each person
• Provide appropriate supports to ensure people supported by Kerry’s Place Autism Services have the knowledge & ability to exercise rights
• Ensure the work area is clean and safe; correct or report any safety concerns immediately.  Document and report accidents, injuries and near misses immediately
• Use Kerry’s Place Autism Services resources in a cost effective and efficient manner
• Ensure accuracy and timely completion of documentation required through legislation and policy and procedures such as:  individual’s files, health records, person development plans, data collection, etc.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with: families, natural supports, volunteers, professionals, community members and other people you interact with in the course of your work
• Attend and participate in meetings as directed by your Manager or Coordinator such as: team meetings, family meetings, etc.
• Administer medication according to Kerry’s Place Autism Services Policy and Procedure. Understand the purpose of each medication, the expected effects and maintain vigilance for the potential side effects
• Where required oversee the individual’s finances, providing documentation of expenditures to the manager
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience Qualifications:

• Completion of a Developmental Service Worker Diploma from a recognized Community College or Human Services Diploma/Degree from a recognized Community College or University or a Personal Support Worker certificate from a Community College or from a registered and Ministry approved Private Career College; or
• Completion of Ontario Secondary School (or equivalent) and 5 years of related experience (preferably supporting people with Autism)

Knowledge Requirements:

• Solid understanding of Autism and their unique support requirements
• Person Centered Planning and Personal Outcomes
• Strong verbal and written communication to interact effectively with supported persons, families and team members. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate within a team
• Familiarity with applicable legislation and regulations
• Working knowledge of computers and software such as:  Microsoft Office, Email and the Internet with the ability to navigate internal systems and quickly learn new software programs
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and ability to access situations quickly with sound judgment
• Self motivated and demonstrated ability to motivate others
• French language is an asset

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

• Must have the ability to physically support children, youth and adults with Autism.
• Must have the ability to perform the required physical techniques of NVCI training from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). Training will be provided.
• Position requires flexible working hours and ability to travel as required
• A valid Driver’s License, with a minimum G2 and access to a reliable vehicle is required and proof of third party liability insurance coverage.
• As a condition of employment, employees must be able to provide a Driver’s Abstract in good standing with fewer than three demerit points

Kerry’s Place is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Kerry’s Place is also committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for your interest in Kerry’s Place Autism Services. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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