Special Education Technician - Persons with Disabilities - Summer Student

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

YWork for us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Intersectional Feminism, People Centred, Belonging, Responsibility, and Partnerships. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Position Description

Job Code: 5-CSJ-2024 

Department: Developmental Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 35 hours per week

Start Date: July 8^th, 2024

Contract End Date: August 31^st, 2024

Posting Date: April 25^th, 2024

In cooperation with the Program Supervisor and Day Program staff, the Special Education Technician – Persons with Disabilities Summer Student contract employee will assist all duties and responsibilities in a productive, professional and cooperative manner while adhering to departmental and organizational policies / procedures and guidelines, which will contribute to the overall goals of the department and the strategic plan, and Mission, Vision, Values of YWCA Hamilton;

• The staff member will be accompanied by a Full-time case manager to provide guidance training, feedback and support with program planning and development;
• Assist staff in providing direct and indirect support services for the Summer CREW Camp Program offered July – August. Support services may include, but are not limited to: administration, recreational planning, promotion of social inclusion, activities of daily living;
• meaningful activities and promote community participation and social inclusion;
• Establish positive professional rapports with staff, clients, or advocates, and other community service agency providers;
• Assist staff in developing opportunities for community participation, socialization, recreation, and therapeutic programming;
• Complete administration duties as required;
• Complete accurate and timely reports as required;
• Support staff in planning and facilitating recreational activities, day program plans, groups and workshops as assigned;
• Participate in regular team meetings as per YWCA Hamilton Developmental Services Policy;
• Complete cleaning to ensure that housekeeping / cleanliness / maintenance of program areas are met;
• Ensure YWCA Hamilton workplace health and safety policies and procedures are followed at all times and act to reduce workplace hazards. Report all workplace hazards and follow YWCA Hamilton health and safety policies;
• Familiar with, and adheres to the Occupational Health & Safety Act, (OHSA) Workplace Safety Insurance Board Act (WSIB), Human Rights and Employment Standards Act (ESA);
• Ensures compliance with YWCA Hamilton policies and procedures;
• Maintains high level of confidentiality/privacy when working with client information;
• Supports the YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works a 35 hour work week;
• Often works in high conflict situations requiring resolution and safety planning for clients and staff;
• Ability to use frequent medium to heavy physical effort: lifting up to 22.7 kg (50 lbs.), bending and stooping’
• Work schedule includes days and evenings

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-year experience working with adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities preferred;
• Commitment to working from a feminist, anti-oppressive / anti-racist perspective;
• Experience working with individuals who are dual diagnosis preferred;
• Experience working with individuals who may display challenging behaviours, knowledge of behavioural supports and implementation of behavioural programming preferred;
• Experience planning and facilitating therapeutic recreation activities, groups and/or workshops preferred;
• Knowledge of Community Resources and ability to research resources preferred;
• Proficiency with MS Office Applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel & Publisher;
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills;
• Required to submit a self-declared medical on an annual basis;
• Current Emergency First Aid / CPR Certification, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Certification, and participate in all YWCA Hamilton mandatory training;
• Bilingual English / French or other languages are an asset;
• Police clearance with vulnerable sector screening required;
• High school diploma – 18 years old and older;
• Must have current Emergency First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must be able to lead and work from a feminist, anti-racist / anti-oppressive perspective for operations and strategic planning;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, and also work effectively in a team.

This is a temporary summer position which is funded by the Canada Summer Jobs Program. Eligible applications must meet the following criteria of the program to be considered:

• Must be between the ages of 15-30 years on the first day of employment;
• Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred;
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.