Respite Worker

Dufferin Child and Family Services is a multi-service agency providing Children’s Mental Health, Child Protection and Developmental Support.

The agency currently requires:

Casual Part-time – Respite Workers

The respite worker will work with children, youth, and adults with exceptionalities. They will be providing support in community spaces, working in the client’s home and the community.

You are seeking:

• A challenging role that offers flexibility, learning opportunities and work within a multi-disciplinary team.
• A unique opportunity to work in a progressive, multi-service agency in collaboration with community partners.

We are seeking: an innovative individual with the ability to:

• Promote community inclusion, independence and self-determinism for the people supported.
• Provide direct and indirect support to people as required by their personal support plans.
• Assist with personal care of clients as needed (feeding, toileting, etc.).
• Support people to identify, work towards and achieve their goals/personal outcomes.
• Plan and execute activities that are enjoyable to the people who receive support.
• Assess the person’s verbal and nonverbal communications skills, utilize alternative communication systems and techniques, as required, and encourage self-expression of the people who receive support.
• Maintain a clear understanding of the rules of the home.
• Collect descriptive data of challenging behaviours.
• Apply techniques and understand concepts related to non-violent crisis intervention (CPI).
• Maintain and protect the well-being of all clients while providing care and when emergency crisis situations arise.
• Effectively and promptly communicate with your Manager in the event of an unusual occurrence or crisis situation within 24 hours of the event.
• Maintain respect and confidentiality for all clients.
• Weekday, evening, and weekend availability required.

Qualifications:

• Diploma and/or degree from an accredited College and/or University in Human Services (ECE, PSW, DSW, CYW, etc.). Equivalent experience with children with special needs will also be considered.
• Minimum of 1 year experience working with children, youth and adults with exceptionalities is required.
• Knowledge of autism and developmental disabilities.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License (Class G or G2), and access to a reliable vehicle and car insurance.
• Ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs.
• A clear vulnerable sector, criminal record check.
• Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, non-verbal, written).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and with families as necessary.
• Proficient in PC computer environment, MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and other software.
• Current Standard First Aid / Level A CPR Certificate required.

If you are interested in this job opportunity, please apply by email on or before Monday October 19, 2026, to hr@dcafs.on.ca quoting reference number 2026-028.

As an employer committed to employment equity and accessibility for persons with disabilities, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Our hiring framework is founded in equity, truth and reconciliation, anti-black racism, and anti-oppressive practices.

DCAFS is committed to providing a recruitment and selection process that is both inclusive and free from barriers. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available upon request, and will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Thank you for your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Role Location: Dufferin County

Reports to: Manager, Respite Services and Headwaters Visit Centre

Hours of Work: Casual Part Time, weekday, evening, and weekend availability required

Salary Range: $31.46 per hour