Respite worker

Program: Children & Youth Services

Status: Relief, Contract

Hours: Relief (no guarantee of hours)

Salary: $21.59 - $26.275 per hour

Date Posted: March 6, 2025

Closing Date: We continue to accept new applicants for this role. Closing date to be confirmed.

About Surrey Place

Surrey Place is a not-for-profit organization that helps people of all ages with autism, developmental and sensory-related concerns push the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve new victories. We offer integrated services and inclusive support in a safe and welcoming environment. Our approach is family-based, which centers the interests and care of our clients, families and caregivers by teaching them skills. We strive to ensure the greatest access to services and support our clients in navigating the health care system. Surrey Place helps people learn new skills, gain self-confidence and reach their full potential.

Position Description

The Respite Program is a new service offering within the Children & Youth Program that provides specialized care and support to children with developmental disabilities, ensuring their well-being and facilitating their engagement in daily activities. Reporting to the Manager, Children & Youth Services, the Respite Worker will be responsible for creating a fun, safe and supportive learning environment, implementing individualized care plans, and offering group or individualized respite to families of clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and other complex needs. The Respite Worker will be skilled, flexible and compassionate, collaborating with team members, families and other professionals to meet the unique needs of each child by providing essential care and support and promoting their development and inclusion.

Main Responsibilities

Individualized Care and Activity Facilitation:

• Develop and implement tailored care plans based on each child’s needs and abilities.
• Provide direct care and supervision to children and youth with diverse needs in various settings.
• Assist with the implementation of group-based or individualized Respite Services.
• Assist children with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and medication administration.
• Provide emotional support and encourage positive behaviour and social skills.
• Plan and engage children in recreational and educational activities that support their developmental goals.
• Adapt activities to accommodate individual abilities and preferences.
• Monitor and document progress and participation in activities.

Other Duties as Required:

• Maintain regular communication with families to update them on their child’s progress and address any concerns.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting.
• Attend meetings and contribute information as part of the team.
• Maintain awareness of program and agency wide communications.
• Monitor children and youth’s health and behavior, reporting any significant changes or concerns.
• Ensure a safe and clean environment for children and youth, adhering to health and safety standards.
• Implement emergency procedures as needed, and ensure certifications are up to date (i.e., first aid and CPR; SMG).
• Maintain cleanliness of the work environment (i.e. disinfecting toys, surfaces, etc.)

Qualifications

• College Diploma in a related field (i.e. early childhood education, child and youth worker, personal support worker) or Highschool Diploma and minimum 1-year related working and/or volunteer experience.
• Additional certification or training in child development or special needs education is preferred.
• Experience working with children and youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities is an asset.
• Previous experience working with children and youth with challenging behaviors is an asset.
• Strong problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• A satisfactory Police Records Check (Vulnerable Sector Screening).
• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
• Fluency in French considered an asset.

Surrey Place values the diverse and intersectional identities of its staff, clients and families and regards equity and neurodiversity as fundamental at all levels of our organization. We are seeking applicants who embrace our values of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA). We encourage candidates from Indigenous and equity seeking groups such as those from Black and racialized communities, people with disabilities, women and 2SLGBTQ+.