Adult Support Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking two (2) Regular Full-Time Adult Support Workers for our FolkStone-Northwest Territories team. The proposed start date for these positions is as soon as possible. These positions require BCGEU membership.

The residents who access our FolkStone program are adults who have complex personal and social needs that require a heightened level of support, health care, medical supervision, and specialized services. The Adult Support Worker is responsible for providing support to residents including planning and implementing a range of activities that are aligned with the goals identified in their service and nursing plans, recognize their individual strengths, preferences, and circumstances, and support their healthy development, and sense of success and well-being. The Adult Support Worker provides support to Family Caregivers as directed, and responds to critical incidents.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Abbotsford, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work are different for each of these positions and are as follows:

• Schedule 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and Friday 12:00PM to 8:00PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week
• Schedule 2: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM, and Wednesday 12:00PM to 8:00PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: a Bachelor of Arts degree in the social sciences, human services, health or a related discipline, and at least one (1) year recent experience working in programs with individuals who have complex personal, social, and health care needs and are living with developmental disabilities, an acquired brain injury, FASD, dementia, and mental health issues, and their families/caregivers.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people and communities.

What You Will Do: 

• Assist the Services Coordinator and Program Manager in meeting the objectives of the program. Develop and implement appropriate plans, goals, and activities for the residents. Enhance and stabilize placements by providing intensive support to residents and assisting the Family Caregivers as directed.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist residents to achieve their individual goals (as identified in their service and nursing plans), strengthen their protective factors, improve their behavior and integration within the household, and increase their participation in community activities.
• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social and health care needs of the residents, and recognize the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Provide opportunities to access available resources in the community that will enable and encourage the residents to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, vocational and self-advocacy skills.
• Maintain on-going positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participate as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for residents, addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences consistently, and supporting their healthy development.
• Develop collaborative relationships with residents' family/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Engage the residents in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that will encourage new interests, strengthen their resilience, develop their interpersonal communication skills, and support their involvement in their culture to strengthen their sense of identity. Teach life skills and community survival skills, provides emotional support, and models acceptable behavior.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies in current placements. Recognize potential crises, analyze such situations accurately, implement strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise.  Provide on-call and duty coverage for the program.
• Maintain necessary resident and program reports and statistics. Ensure that all records, reports, and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA's policies and procedures.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with a variety of resources, and formal and informal service providers.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures established by PLEA, and meet the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercise the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and mandate of the program.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Well-developed interpersonal communication, counseling and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others; enjoys the company of adults who are living with developmental disabilities, an acquired brain injury, FASD, dementia, and other mental health issues, and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with residents and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage, and to be sensitive and understanding of their social realities including issues of race, religion, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty, and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team with other program staff, and with others in the community including professionals, collaterals, and families/caregivers, informal supports and community members; use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work independently and be accountable for results.
• Familiar with individualized service and nursing plan approach to providing care.
• Knowledge of theories, principles and best practices in the field of providing effective care services to individuals who have complex personal, social and health care needs in a community based residential program.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.

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.
• Education and Training Fund*
• Physical Activity Fund*
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards). 
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.

*these benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Use of Personal Vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley and the Northwest Territories.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5), and suitable driver's abstract. 
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
• Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023154ASW3.R2. Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, December 22, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the positions are not filled internally, they will remain open until filled. 

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

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.