Adult Support Worker

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Adult Support Worker for our Adult Services-Northwest Territories team located in Abbotsford, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This positions require BCGEU membership.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Friday from 12 PM to 8 PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
• One (1) year of recent experience working in programs with individuals who have complex personal, social, and healthcare needs and are living with developmental disabilities, an acquired brain injury, FASD, dementia and mental health issues, and their families/caregivers.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4:30PM. If the positions are not filled internally, they will remain open until filled.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Assist the Services Coordinator and Program Manager in meeting the objectives of the program. Develop and implement appropriate plans, goals and activities with the participants. Enhance and stabilize placements by providing intensive support to participants and assisting the Family Caregivers as directed.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist participants to achieve their individual goals (as identified in their service and nursing plans), strengthen their protective factors, improve their behavior and integration within the household, and increase their participation in community activities.
• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social and healthcare needs of the participants, and recognize the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Provide opportunities to access available resources in the community that will enable and encourage the participants to develop educational, personal, social, vocational and self-advocacy skills.
• Maintain ongoing positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participates as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for participants, addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities and preferences consistently, and supporting their healthy development. 
• Develop collaborative relationships with participants’ family/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Engage the participants in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that will encourage new interests, strengthen their resilience, develop their interpersonal communication skills, and support their involvement in their culture to strengthen their sense of identity. Teach life skills and community survival skills, provides emotional support, and models acceptable behaviour.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies in current placements. Recognize potential crises, analyzes such situations accurately, implement strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise.
• Maintain necessary participant and program reports and statistics. Ensure that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with a variety of resources, and formal and informal service providers.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, including adults who are living with developmental disabilities, an acquired brain injury, FASD, dementia, and other mental health issues, and can implement effective behaviour management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with participants and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team with other program staff, and with others in the community including professionals, other partners, and families/caregivers, informal supports and community members; use good judgment; and manage conflicts constructively.
• Strong organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions and be held accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Familiarity with an individualized service approach to providing care.
• Knowledge of theories, principles and best practices in the field of providing effective care services to individuals who have complex personal, social and health care needs in a community based residential program.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period.

• An education and training fund*
• A physical activity fund*
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.

*these benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Use of personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley, and the Northwest Territories.
• A valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License, and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.