Community Support Worker

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Community Support Worker for our Adult Services - Vancouver team located in Abbotsford, BC, working with clients who primarily reside in Surrey, BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position requires BCGEU membership.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week.

Closing date for Internal Applications: The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.

Education/Experience Requirements: A Diploma in a related human/social services field, and at least one (1) year of recent, related experience.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Participate in assessment, goal setting and program planning such as service plans for individuals. Document and implement the plan. Provide input into the evaluation of the program.
• Evaluate client needs and develop short term plans to meet such needs with the active participation of participants and their families.
• Assist participants to function more independently in their own homes and in the community. Assist participants with daily life skills, social skills and/or behaviour management. Teach and assist participants with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, pet care. Facilitate physical, recreational, educational, social and vocational activities.
• Recognize, analyze and deal with potential emergency situations such as participants' aggressive behaviour to minimize potential harm to the clients and/or the public. Report problems to their manager.
• Assist the participants in self-administering medication in accordance with established policy.
• Ensure health and safety standards are maintained.
• Review and evaluate participants' progress and make adjustments to programs as required. Provide feedback and support to participants and/or their families.
• Accompany and/or transport participants to activities such as appointments, shopping or leisure activities.
• Provide written and/or verbal reports regarding participants' daily activities and progress. Ensure that all required documentation is complete and accurate.
• Identify social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational and educational services in the community that will meet participants needs. Maintain liaison with other agencies, professionals, government officials and the community.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to write accurate notes.
• Interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with participants, Family Caregivers, internal staff, professionals and families.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage adults to participate in community activities and follow participant service plans.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions and be held accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals' social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period, including access to the annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities) and the annual education fund (to take part in career-related courses or training events).
• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan, as per the plan's criteria.
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.