Support Worker jobs in Hamilton, ON

Overview

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Ideal for: experienced Educational Assistants (EAs), DSWs, SSWs, PSWs, Autism Support Workers, and candidates with comparable experience.

This job provides person-directed support within a home-based therapy and care program to an adult in his early 30s who has profound autism, a severe intellectual disability, complex communication needs, anxiety and OCD, and responsive behaviours. The behavioural support worker will support the person in his family home in Ancaster.

The person supported ranks within the 98th percentile in Ontario in terms of his level of support needs. He also has a severe intellectual disability which leaves him functioning in many areas at approximately the developmental level of a two-year-old and unable to care for himself or consistently recognize potentially dangerous situations. He therefore requires around-the-clock, 2:1 support.

About the person supported

Despite his complex support needs, the person supported is generally very happy and engaging. He enjoys watching Winnie the Pooh and other classic Disney movies, listening to music, playing with his toys, having books read to him, spending time outdoors, and participating in physical activity.

He also enjoys community outings to familiar and preferred places, including beaches, parks, zoos, stores, and other recreational locations.

Behaviours you will be supporting

The responsive behaviours in this role are closely connected to communication, sensory needs, emotional regulation, physical health, and anxiety. Behaviour is understood as communication and may indicate that the person is overwhelmed, unwell, uncomfortable, or having difficulty expressing his needs. Amongst these behaviours iis self-injury. He may also engage in repetitive phrases and confirmation-seeking, experience agitation, or show rapid changes in emotional regulation.

What good support looks like

Successful behavioural support workers are patient, observant, steady, reliable, and compassionate. They give the person time and space when appropriate, use his individualized communication system and cues, maintain predictable routines, and consistently follow all care plans and protocols. Good support involves recognizing and responding proactively to early behavioural signs of anxiety, agitation, pain, illness, or emotional dysregulation, including subtle changes in sleep, appetite, bowel movements, communication, perseveration, engagement, mood, or other behaviours. Staff are expected to respond to communication attempts, support regulation before behaviour escalates, and consistently follow the Behaviour Support Plan, safety and medication protocols, and clinical recommendations. They must remain calm during challenging situations, protect the person’s dignity and safety, and work effectively as part of a team using coordinated tag-teaming strategies when needed.

What you will be doing:

At the heart of this role is the relationship you build with the person supported. You will learn his preferences, communication style, routines, behavioural profile, health needs, and goals while recognizing the importance of and supporting his choice, dignity, and independence. Responsibilities include:

• Assist with daily living routines, including personal care, hygiene, toileting, shaving, dressing, meals, medication, household responsibilities, and bedtime routines.
• Create a calm, predictable, and structured home environment by working closely with the person’s family and support team.
• Learn and consistently follow individualized routines, health protocols, safety procedures, community routines, and preferred activities.
• Implement the Behaviour Support Plan using reinforcement-based strategies, functional communication training, and proactive environmental supports.
• Support the development and maintenance of communication, coping, emotional regulation, and daily living skills.
• Support the use of Proloquo2Go and other individualized communication methods, including spoken language, gestures, body language, visual supports, and familiar phrases.
• Recognize and respond to early indicators of distress and changes in communication, perseveration, movement, facial expression, engagement, mood, sleep, appetite, or behaviour.
• Contribute to identifying behavioural patterns and possible medical, sensory, environmental, or communication factors that inform ongoing planning.
• Follow established protocols for self-injurious behaviour, aggression, protective equipment, environmental safety, PRN medication, incident response, and emergency procedures.
• Collect and maintain accurate, timely electronic documentation, including behavioural frequency, duration and intensity, ABC information, possible triggers, staff responses and outcomes, incident reports, progress notes, medication records, health records, and communication notes.
• Support participation in recreation, exercise, swimming, biking, walks, shopping, appointments, family activities, community outings, and other preferred activities.
• Administer medication in accordance with established policies and protocols.
• Participate in biweekly team meetings, reviews, staff training, workshops, and ongoing planning.
• Liaise with family members who know him best, as well as working collaboratively with other team members

We are looking for someone who holds a relevant degree or diploma and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience in residential, group living, or supported independent living settings. The role calls for patience, compassion, and the capacity to remain grounded and regulated in demanding moments, together with strong relationship-building skills and the ability to contribute effectively in a team. Clear written and verbal communication, including comfort with documentation is essential, as is the flexibility and reliability to work a rotating schedule that includes evenings, weekends, and overnights.

Job Requirements

• A social services-related diploma or degree, including DSW, SSW, PSW, behavioural sciences, psychology, or a related field, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience supporting adults who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, profound autism, dual diagnosis, mental health needs, self-injury, aggression, or other responsive behaviours
• Experience implementing Behaviour Support Plans, positive behaviour strategies, safety plans, and de-escalation procedures
• Knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication, including Proloquo2Go, visual supports, picture symbols, gestures, or simplified language
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to understand detailed protocols and complete clear, accurate documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Sheets and electronic documentation systems
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
• A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check dated within the last six months
• A two-step TB test or negative chest X-ray dated within the last six months
• A valid Ontario G driver’s licence and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset.
• Comfort working in an environment that has friendly cats and dogs

Scheduling Requirements

Part-time and full-time positions are available, with a minimum commitment of 20 hours per week. This position requires flexibility to work rotating shifts in alignment with the routines, appointments, behavioural needs, and personal schedule of the person supported. Shifts may include days, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and awake overnights. Staff must be flexible, reliable, and willing to adjust their schedules based on the needs of the person supported and the home-based therapy program.

HOW TO APPLY

Please copy and paste this URL into your web browser to begin the application process. Only applications submitted through this link will be reviewed and considered.

https://form.jotform.com/MichaelsTeam/apply-now

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person