The Program
At Taproot Community Support Services, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.
As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.
Our 800-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $70 million.
This program supports three individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, two of whom are non-verbal. A strong understanding of both developmental disabilities and mental health concerns is considered a significant asset.
Challenging behaviours can occur on a daily basis and may include physical aggression such as kicking, spitting, and hair pulling. As a result, applicants with previous behaviour intervention experience and demonstrated ability to support individuals with complex needs will be best suited for this position.
Taproot Community Support Services operates several community-based support programs in Fort McMurray, helping people with developmental disabilities become active, empowered, and involved in their communities regardless of the challenges they face, including developmental disabilities, acquired brain injury, FASD, autism spectrum disorder, mental illness, and dual diagnoses.
The Position
The Disability Services Worker (DSW), under supervision of their supervisor, facilitates and monitors education and development programs for purposes of providing individuals in service with physical, behavioural, emotional and social supports/supervision in residence and in the community. DSWs develop relationships and act as a liaison with the community, family members, guardians and employers. The DSWs will support an adult to gain independent living skills, including assistance with daily living activities including meal preparation, household chores, laundry, etc. and community access (accessing transportation to educational, recreation and community programs/events). They also, mentor and advocate for the client, and empower them to be self reliant and confident. This position reports to the Team Leader. This position requires Union membership with CUPE 2559.
A good working understanding of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental illness, including, individuals that are non-verbal, is beneficial.
Scheduling
One (1) Permanent Part-time Position Of 56hrs Bi-weekly
- Scheduling consists of the following rotation: Week 1 (2 shifts on, 2 shifts off, 3 shifts on) Week 2 (2 shifts off, 2 shift on, 3 shifts off)
- 8 hour day shifts: 1000-1800
Any shifts worked at non-complex programs will be paid at $22.43-$25.63 per hour.
In Your Role You Will
- Support individuals with household chores, life skills, personal hygiene (if needed).
- Provide supports as per the individual's care plan
- Provide immediate support in crisis situations and use de-escalation techniques to deal with behaviours
- Administer medication, first aid if/when necessary.
- Use computer program to write objective daily reports and document notes & observations regarding the client
- A complete and detailed list of key responsibilities can be available at time of interview.
- Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.
As An Ideal Candidate You Possess
- MUST HAVE 2 years experience working with individuals with significant mental health concerns, aggressive behaviours and/or trauma.
- Ability to work well in an environment with potential for aggression/violence.
- Diploma or Degree – Disability Service Worker, Social Work, Special Education, Health Care Aide, Personal Support Worker or related field.
- Valid class 5 driver license (or GDL and 3 years Canadian driving experience) with clear driving abstract and reliable vehicle.
- Clear and current, National Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Current First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification (NVCI or CPI).
- Training in Trauma Informed Practice, Medication Administration, Suicide Intervention, Behaviour Management, Conflict Resolution, Food Safe.
- Confident and able to function in a crisis.
What Taproot Community Support Services Does
At Taproot, your passion for helping others can truly make a difference. As an employee-owned company, we value collaboration, learning, and innovation. Our strength-based approach guides both our care and how we support each other. Join a team where your voice matters, and together, we're building a company we're proud of.
Our Employees Enjoy
- Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
- Work/life balance
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Competitive wages and salaries
- Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
- Defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan) for eligible employees within British Columbia
- Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
- Professional development opportunities and job-related training
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Long Service Milestone rewards
- Employee referral bonus program
- A values-driven workplace - as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good
For more information on Taproot Community Support Services visit our website: taproot.ca
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Please apply.
Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
