Residential Counsellor

, , Canada

igility / Health Association Nova Scotia -Pugwash, NS, Canada Position Scope: The Residential Counsellor shares responsibility along with other members of Health and Holistic Services team in provision of direct personal care and supports to those with intellectual disabilities and persistent mental health challenges. They share responsibility for ensuring that the individuals who reside within the Sunset Community have the opportunity, encouragement and support to live, work, play, grow and develop to the full extent of their comfort, interests and abilities in accordance with Sunset Community’s Mission, Vision, Values as well as willingness to follow organization’s strategic direction and to the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

This position reports to the Manager, Holistic Services and works under the supervision of the Staff Nurse/Supervisor . Principal Responsibilities:

The Residential Counsellor is responsible for the following duties:

creating and sustaining a home-like environment that facilitates and encourages independence, social interactions (such as peer-to-peer), and supported decision making;

encouraging and supporting each c lient’s culturally appropriate self expression and appearance;

contributing to a safe living and working environment by: recognizing and reporting hazardous or unsafe conditions or situations to the Staff Nurse/Supervisor or Manager, Holistic Services;

safe, efficient use and storage of all medications and cleaning agents in accordance with established procedures;

keeping traffic and living areas clear of obstacles, spills and other potential hazards to safety.

participating in the creation and implementation of client support plans, person-centred reviews, and 1-page profiles and realization of goals desired

providing personal care, support, and/or encouragement to supplement the efforts of each client’s ability to contribute to their own personal care needs;

maintaining relationships with each client that are respectful of: their individuality, rights, and freedoms;

their rights for privacy and confidentiality of personal information as per Protection of Personal Information Act;

the appropriateness of a worker/client relationship;

initiating, facilitating and encouraging the objectives of each clients’ daily physical, social, sensory activities, and community engagements ;

plan, initiate and engage with clients in activities they prefer and enjoy;

attending training such as in- service education, seminars, workshops, as required by the Employer or Department of Community Services to maintain core competencies and other training that may be offered

Must be able to accept feedback from HSM and/or staff nurse/supervisor and carry through on direction

Required Qualifications:

Willingness if not currently held attainment of core competencies as per Provincial Standard for Rehabilitative Care Workers as per DCS standards:

Fire and Life Safety § Medication Awareness

Basic Principles and Practices of Personal Care

Standard First Aid and CPR

Principles and Practices of Non-Aversive Behavioural Support

WHMIS training

MANDT training

class 5 driver’s license (class 4 may be required)

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum grade 12 or GED with a desire to support persons with disabilities

Graduation from an approved Continuing Care Assistant, Human Service Worker, Community Disability Support Worker or Residential Rehabilitation Worker course, and/or other relevant post-secondary education. Completion of relevant courses including certificates/programs not already listed as a core competency

Physical capability to perform the duties of the position

Experience providing support to persons with disabilities

Judgement and initiative:

Maintain supportive, professional, person centered relationships that are inclusive and fosters independence.

Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, compassion, empathy and judgement with participants, staff, families, and other stakeholders.

Must be flexible in managing changing or challenging situations, supports the needs of participants, presenting an attitude of respect, empathy and understanding.

Committed to promoting a culture that supports safety, ethical practices and organizational health

Must be a positive role model, encouraging good morale, demonstrating respect, and providing advocacy as needed.

This is a position of trust in which most work is performed under indirect supervision.

Demonstrated planning, organizational, and time management skills

The ability to cooperate and work harmoniously with all staff including other departments as a member of the team is essential.

Must have excellent verbal and writte n communication skills; demonstrated critical thinking skills, problem solving and decision making skills

must possess a sound knowledge of and be able to practice the principles of diversity and inclusion. Empathy with clients, warmth, patience, imagination, teaching ability, creativity, and a positive approach toward community integration, are all-important requirements.

Type and Level of Supervision:

Must be able to provide leadership to client groups, work co-operatively with other members of the client care team and assist in the orientation of new staff, volunteers and students. Must be able to work with indirect supervision for periods

Physical Demands:

Physical demands include: bending, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing stairs, assisting with lifting of clients and supplies, carrying loads up to 40 pounds and meeting the walking and standing needs that are required in this position.

Working Environment:

Well-lighted, warm indoor environment. However, it may be necessary to work outside even in inclement weather. Outside activities may include shopping, sports events, camping, beach trips, and/or appointments. May have to accompany a client in a vehicle off Sunset’s property.

Unavoidable Hazards:

Clients’ diagnosis and symptoms demand complete knowledge and applications of crisis intervention and non-aversive behavioral support.

Posted: Monday, December 4, 2023

Job # 770

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