Community Disability Practitioner

Community Disabilities Practitioner - Term

Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Role and Responsibilities

• Understand and practice all RHA Policies and Procedures, practices and operational protocols, including mission statements, ethical standards and guidelines, restrictive procedures, abuse and medical protocols, Alberta Accommodation Standards, Alberta Health Services standards, Municipal Fire Standards, Occupational Health & Safety standards, and Creating Excellence Together (CET) Standards and Accreditation.
• Adhere to RHA Code of Ethics.

• Alignment with Robin Hood Association Sustainability Plan and active engagement to assist in the implementation of outcomes.

• Professional conduct and appearance befitting a representative of RHA, which will include good performance related to personnel policies, such as attendance, punctuality and conflict resolution.
• Work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Promote safe environments by regularly checking for and reporting any hazards that may have developed in the maintenance, design, and/or function of physical space. When hazards are identified, staff will ensure the safety of themselves and/or individuals to avoid the risk.
• Be awake, aware, and vigilant throughout duration of shifts, unless assigned to a sleep shift (and paid accordingly).
• Due to the nature of work supporting individuals with developmental and physical disabilities, all employees of the Robin Hood Association are required to possess a minimal standard level of physical capability. The ability to meet these physical job demands will ensure safety both for the employee and the individuals receiving service.
• All employees may be required to work in any program area during staffing shortages or emergencies or to better support the needs of the individuals or program.

Specific responsibilities:

• Understand and demonstrate a respect of individual rights and responsibilities, encourage choice and increased independence Review, implement and provide training and monitoring of Individualized Service Plans.
• Understanding of community issues and opportunities, assisting and supporting the individual with general access to and participation in the community, including transportation training and support.
• Work in the community to open doors and provide access/participation opportunities, as well as being alert to alternate avenues for generic services that may be available to the individual.
• Communicate in a professional, timely, accurate and respectful manner with individuals, families, guardians, staff and community representatives. Responsible for providing accurate information between these groups as required through written information and verbal communication.
• Assist with providing information, support and feedback to new individuals and their family/guardian through orientation; assist with completion of checklist as required.
  • Assist, support and encourage individuals to achieve their personal goals through the development of basic living and related skills, with a view to enhancing the individual’s confidence, competence and participation within their social network (community, social, recreational, etc.). This includes both supporting the individual’s life skill development and, particularly in the case of services to children, academic skill development; and, modeling the desired actions and behaviours.
  • Assist and support individuals in the establishment and maintenance of shared, respectful relationships within the community, with a view to meaningful participation and inclusion. This includes assisting and encouraging individuals to participate effectively in employment, volunteer, recreation, leisure, life skills and other social settings.
  • Provide transportation to individuals in personal vehicles where required by program/individual needs.
  • Awareness of the individual’s physical, social and recreational environments; taking action to minimize risks and maximize participation/inclusion; and, referring complex situations to more experienced resources when appropriate.
  • Select, recognize, interpret and respond with effective communication methods and techniques (body language, non-verbal cues, behavior, and active listening skills).
  • Provide advocacy, personal and health care services for individuals in consultation with family/guardians.
  • Implement individual service plans designed to support and assist adults, youth and children with individual development, community support/development, behaviour management and/or personal care.
  • Identify and maintain standards for and safety for individuals and staff according to Robin Hood policies, Alberta Accommodation Standards and Creating Excellence Together (CET Standards and Accreditation).
  • Promote a safe environment and ensure all individuals are comfortable with their contributions within module or activity.
  • Encourage and monitor good nutrition; implement individual dietary plans; support and monitor breaks; ensure cleanliness and sanitation for individuals.
  • Model socially appropriate behaviors (for both the individual and the community), and assisting and encouraging the individual to make and maintain appropriate community connections.
  • Ensure activities are age appropriate in consultation with family/guardians.
  • Familiarity and implementation of module or activity resources and curriculums. Assist in identifying and implementing module expectations to module participants. Assist with recording module or activity attendance.
  • Implement recommendations and procedures from Supervisors, Professionals and Resource Team.
  • Conduct program evaluations on service delivery in specific program area.
  • Identify and analyze areas of concern and assess the need for intervention.
  • Understand the use of technical aids for individuals, i.e.: communication devices, adaptive equipment, etc.
  • Understand the use of module technical aids, i.e.: Video equipment, TV, slide projector, etc.
  • Stay informed of developments with respect to modules and individual individuals.
  • Provide feedback to Instructor regarding modules or activity. Provide Instructor with feedback regarding module participant evaluations.
  • Provide input regarding module service gaps to respective supervisors.
  • Provide Instructor with information, both formally and informally, regarding individual’s progress and/or concerns. Assist Instructor in maintenance of organized, accurate and current module or activity data.
  • If instructing, develop and utilize effective evaluation techniques, both verbally and in written format.
  • If instructing, develop lesson plans that meet learning outcomes based on individual Accountability Tables.
  • If instructing, collect and store teaching resources to accompany classes in order to increase engagement.
  • If instructing, present classes to individuals and monitor participant’s engagement and grasp of learning outcomes. Review and evaluate individual engagement and strategize with program CDPs to increase engagement/participation.
  • If instructing, communicate effectively with program CDPs to address any classroom concerns.
  • If instructing, provide tutoring to individuals on computer skills by appointment.
  • If instructing, conduct program evaluations on service delivery in classes.
  • Operate within given financial resources including teaching resources, activity materials, supplementary community activities, etc.
  • Provide direct care and services to individuals as scheduled and required.
  • Maintain clear and objective records and preparing required reports and other documentation. Ensure that all data collection is completed in a professional manner.
  • Participate in the hiring process.
  • Responsible for staffing and quality individual programs within the day program.
  • Supervise regular/relief staff, practicum students and volunteers.

• Responsible for staff orientation, training, evaluation, feedback, scheduling and ongoing support needs.
• Promote CDW competence through counseling, coaching and role modeling, including when acting as an instructor.
• Participate in team and general meetings. Provide feedback as necessary for evaluations of practicum students, relief staff and volunteers.
• Assist with the relief staff, volunteers, and practicum student’s orientations, answer questions and provide appropriate feedback.

• Promote staff competence through counseling, coaching and role modeling. Practice good communication and continue to build on developing an effective work team.

• Contribute to the program’s annual goals and team core values.
• Monitor room and individual floats and operate within the amount allotted.
• Provide ongoing updates to designated Team Leader.
• Identify, analyze, resolve and report issues of concern directly and/or to a supervisory; access support when needed.
• Utilize effective evaluation techniques both verbal and written form.
• Be awake, aware, and vigilant throughout duration of shifts, unless assigned to a sleep shift (and paid accordingly).
• Initiate and complete personal skill improvement through advanced training, workshops, readings, mandatory and optional courses.
• Recommend changes to Policies and Procedures.
• May be given additional responsibilities as need arises and as determined by Supervisor, Program Manager or Director

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Rehabilitation Diploma or related University Degree or equivalent Preferred
• Foundations in Community Rehabilitation and Disabilities Studies
• Completion of Mandatory Training Courses and Designated Mandatory Training as required
• Valid Alberta Driver’s License, access to a reliable and road-safe vehicle, and proof of 3rd Party Liability Insurance in a minimum amount of $1,000,000. The ability and willingness to transport individuals as needed.
• Basic coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to employ various approaches.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Effective time management skills and the ability to balance competing demands/priorities and deal with competing opinions. This includes knowing when it is appropriate to ask for assistance or refer to more experienced staff.
• The ability to work various shift schedules and in physically/emotionally challenging situations, if required
• Positive attitude and mature work ethic coupled with an ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to set priorities and complete tasks in a timely fashion.

Preferred Skills

• Demonstrate willingness to learn new concepts; be flexible and to work as an effective team player
• Exhibit attributes of a positive attitude, including a willingness to receive and provide feedback.
• Supervisory Skills Training is preferred.
• Knowledge and skills in basic budgeting.
• Knowledge of Team Building strategies.
• Demonstrate skills to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong computer, organization, and communication skills.