Inclusion Support Worker – Seasonal Programs

Inclusion Support Worker – Seasonal Programs

Why work with us:

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness;
• Dedication to the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey;
• Certification as a Living Wage Champion;
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees;
• Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community;
• Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.;
• Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and,
• So much more!

What you will do:

The City of Waterloo is committed to offering programs to persons of all ages and abilities.  Inclusion Services works with individuals to find the best accommodation to encourage their full participation in our various programs and services. This position will focus on providing 1:1 support to individuals and supporting program staff to create accessible and inclusive programming for all participants. Successful candidates will support individuals in attending leisure and recreation programs such as art, technology, swimming, fitness, sports, dance, karate and more! Programs typically run on a weekly basis with classes lasting 30 – 120 minutes each. 

Reporting to the Coordinator, Inclusion Services in the Community Programming and Outreach Services Division, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:  

• Assists with the effective delivery of Inclusion Services for individuals who require inclusion support by providing one-to-one support, program adaptations, strategies, and other means of assistance to participate in programming 
• Provide recommendations to program staff and volunteers related to inclusive practices and strategies to allow for successful participation for all participants 
• Ensures adherence to medication procedures including cueing and documentation  
• Support program participants with personal care, hygiene and feeding as required while upholding the dignity and autonomy of participants 
• Perform lifts and transfers of participants as required utilizing appropriate lifting techniques and procedures 
• Attend ongoing training and educational opportunities as required 
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to deliver inclusive programs 
• Ensures the safety and emotional, physical, social and mental well-being of participants   
• Appropriately communicates and documents concerns while upholding confidentiality  
• Communicates participant successes, behavioural changes and concerns to family/care providers  
• Reports safety and well-being concerns regarding participant and/or employee health to Inclusion Services Coordinator  
• Respond to and assist staff with crisis support and/or behavioural interventions during the delivery of leisure and recreation programs 
• Willingness to wear provided Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. disposable gloves, protective arm guards) 
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of administrative tasks such as maintaining records, time entry, transition plans and care logs 
• Performs first aid, CPR and emergency safety protocols as required 
• Demonstrate a strong customer service orientation, responding promptly to participant and family inquiries, when possible, refers further issues and concerns to appropriate supervisory staff 
• Provides evening and weekend coverage as needed 
• Ensures programs and program spaces are accessible and barrier free for participants 
• Adheres to health and safety guidelines (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety, Duty to Report, Accessibility Legislation, Public Health Regulations and City of Waterloo Policies and Procedures) 
• Work collaboratively with program team to ensure seamless delivery of service 
• Ensure work is performed in a safe manner according to health and safety guidelines and procedures 
• Other duties as assigned 

What you will bring:  

• Secondary school diploma and a minimum of 1 year of experience working with persons of all ages with a disability. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.  
• Clear and effective professional communication (written and oral), organizational and interpersonal skills 
• Experience providing program adaptations and behavioural strategies 
• Certification in behaviour intervention and modification systems (Non-violent Crisis Intervention) to be provided post hire 
• Ability to lift 35 pounds unassisted and capable of performing the physical demands of the position, including standing for long periods of time, running, walking, bending, and kneeling on a regular basis 
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for providing a compassionate participant-centered approach  
• A patient and resilient approach to take each day as a new opportunity  
• A positive and adaptable mindset is required  
• Comfortable providing in water support in an aquatic environment is an asset 
• Strong time management and organization skills with the ability to effectively manage competing demands and conflicting priorities and issues  
• Possess critical thinking skills, sound decision making and a collaborative approach 
• Demonstrated ability to confidently and effectively respond to emergency situations   
• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment 
• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service 
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion 
• Ability and willingness to travel between worksites, as necessary, utilizing reliable, safe and efficient methods of transportation is required to perform the job 

What we will require:

• A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City
• Current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
• High Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development Certification
• A valid MTO class “G” driver’s license in good standing and with daily access to reliable transportation for business use purposes is required to perform the job
• Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualification, if applicable

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.