Shelter Support Worker jobs in Toronto, ON

RISE Program Support StaffJob Overview

We are seeking enthusiastic, compassionate, and dependable Program Support Staff to join our RISE Program team. RISE is designed to provide inclusive, engaging, and supportive programming for children and youth with autism, developmental disabilities, and diverse support needs.

Program Support Staff work directly with participants to promote independence, social connection, communication, participation, and meaningful community experiences. Working alongside program leads and other team members, staff help create a safe, welcoming, and strengths-based environment where every participant is supported to engage and succeed.

This is a paid, hands-on support position and an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in disability services, behaviour science, education, child and youth work, recreation, social services, or related fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to children and youth participating in RISE programming.
• Support participants during recreational, social, life-skills, community-based, and structured group activities.
• Provide individualized or small-group assistance based on participant needs and program requirements.
• Encourage independence, communication, self-advocacy, social interaction, and participation.
• Assist Program Leads with implementing planned activities, routines, games, outings, and special events.
• Help prepare program materials, activity spaces, equipment, and participant resources.
• Use positive, respectful, and strengths-based approaches when supporting behaviour, transitions, communication, and emotional regulation.
• Monitor participant safety and well-being throughout programming and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate Program Lead.
• Support participants with personal care or activities of daily living where required and within the staff member's training and assigned responsibilities.
• Complete attendance records, incident documentation, program notes, and other required records accurately and on time.
• Maintain participant confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Assist with cleaning, organization, setup, and takedown of program spaces.
• Collaborate with the RISE team to adapt activities so participants with different abilities and support needs can meaningfully participate.
• Follow all organizational policies, safeguarding procedures, emergency protocols, and health and safety requirements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience working with children, youth, or individuals with autism or developmental disabilities is considered an asset.
• Students or graduates from Behavioural Science, Autism & Behavioural Science, Child and Youth Care, Developmental Services, Social Service Work, Education, Psychology, Recreation, or related programs are encouraged to apply.
• Patient, energetic, dependable, and comfortable working in an active program environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive and respectful relationships with participants, families, and team members.
• Comfortable receiving direction and working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Able to adapt to different communication styles, abilities, behaviours, and support needs.
• Strong judgment and commitment to participant dignity, inclusion, safety, and confidentiality.
• Organized and able to complete basic documentation and record keeping.
• Willingness to participate actively in recreational, social, community, and group-based programming.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates may be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check, First Aid/CPR certification, and any additional training required for their assigned RISE program.

RISE Program Support Staff should be prepared for an active and participant-focused role, which may include sitting on the floor, participating in games and recreational activities, supporting community outings, assisting with transitions, and responding to participants who require additional behavioural or emotional support.

Join the RISE Team

RISE is about creating opportunities for children and youth with disabilities to participate, connect, build independence, and belong. Our Program Support Staff are an important part of making those experiences possible.

We are looking for individuals who bring compassion, energy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to inclusion—and who believe that meaningful support should help every participant RISE.

Pay: $18.00-$22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person