The Developmental Services Worker (DSW) supports clients with dual diagnosis, developmental and complex mental health conditions by promoting safety, independence, dignity, and social, emotional, and cultural well-being. Working within an inter-professional team and under clinical direction, the DSW implements positive behavioral supports, facilitates activities of daily living (ADLs) and skill-building, contributes to clinical processes and groups, and maintains a safe, therapeutic milieu. The role includes behavioral observation and data collection, clinical documentation, and participation in program development and quality improvement. Rotating 12-hour shifts, weekends, and potential night shifts may be required.
Responsibilities
1) Client Support & Daily Living
� Provide person-centered support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and social-skills development.
� Accompany and escort clients to appointments, transfers, and programming as needed.
� Facilitate therapeutic and psycho-educational groups and contribute input to clinical processes.
2) Behavioral Support & Data
� Implement positive behavioral supports and functional assessment-informed plans under clinical/behavioral therapist direction.
� Conduct close or continuous observation when indicated; document behavioral observations and client responses to interventions.
� Collect, organize, and communicate monitoring and observational data consistently.
3) Safety, Milieu & Least-Restrictive Strategies
� Help maintain a safe, therapeutic milieu using least-restrictive strategies to prevent restraint and seclusion.
� Support de-escalation and crisis prevention/intervention in line with protocols.
� Contribute to security and environmental safety through therapeutic relationships and regulation of the physical space.
4) Collaboration & Communication
� Work collaboratively within inter-professional teams; participate in team reviews and case discussions.
� Communicate clearly and professionally (verbal and written) with clients, families, and team members.
� Support students at the college level, as assigned.
5) Documentation & Professional Standards
� Complete timely clinical documentation and other required records.
� Follow all regulatory, legislative, and organizational policies and procedures; uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
6) Program Development, Quality & Education
� Participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives and program development.
� Engage in ongoing learning related to behavioral treatment, person-centered planning, and recovery-oriented practices.
7) Work Conditions
� Work 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and potential nights, as assigned.
� Use safe patient-handling and ergonomic techniques at all times.
Qualifications
Requirements
� Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma from a recognized college.
� Direct experience with dual diagnosis (mental health and developmental disability).
� Competent understanding of behavioral treatment protocols (e.g., functional assessment, management techniques) and responsive-behavior approaches.
� Crisis prevention and intervention skills; consistent use of least-restrictive strategies.
� Demonstrated person-centered planning and ability to coordinate meaningful, recovery-enhancing activities.
� Strong therapeutic relationship and advocacy skills; experience with complex clients in a team approach.
� Effective verbal and written communication; strong interpersonal skills; attention to detail.
� Computer literacy for clinical documentation and communication.
� Ability to work respectfully with diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic populations.
� Familiarity with safe patient handling/ergonomics and adherence to safety protocols.
� Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including weekends and potential nights.
Nice-to-Haves
� Familiarity with psychotropic medications and their implications for care.
� Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and First Aid certifications.
� Additional language skills (e.g., French/English bilingualism or other languages).
If you are interested in this position, please ensure that you apply before 5pm EST of the closing date. If your application is received past 5pm EST of the closing date, your application will not be accepted.
Salary Range: $32.36 – $38.68 per hour
At time of hire, CAMH will require all new hires and rehires to provide proof of educational qualifications relevant to the position they hold with CAMH and as required by the specifications in the job posting, in accordance with policies
AHR 3.1.3 Recruitment and Selection and AHR 3.1.15 Credentialing of Professional Personnel.
Internal transfers** will be required to provide proof of educational qualifications for any additional qualifications relevant to their new position.
CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.
CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.
CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.
Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.
To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at: www.camh.ca.
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