Community Living Society: CLS Assistant Coordinator Position Description

Reports to Assigned Coordinator and Individual(s)

General Accountability

The goal of the CLS and its employees is to support individuals in a way of life that is independent and effectively interdependent; thereby, fostering the self-empowerment of all people into a meaningful life in community with others.

All of the individuals we serve have spent many years segregated within their community, where many have been physically and emotionally abused. Therefore, the CLS believes the most valuable treatment or therapy we can provide is to nurture meaningful relationships, which are the centre of all human development.

In accordance with the CLS philosophy (Beliefs and Values), the Community Living Counsellor, Assistant Coordinator (referred to throughout this document as Assistant Coordinator) assists the Coordinator to facilitate a cooperative, open environment and to ensure the provision of daily counselling and instruction in a manner, which nurtures the self-determination and personal growth of the individuals, we serve. This is carried out in accordance with the individuals' identified goals and objectives as documented in their individual plan.

The Assistant Coordinator acts as backup to the Coordinator, and assumes the supervisory functions and accountabilities in the Coordinator's absence.

Nature and Scope

This position reports directly to the Coordinator and the individuals, and is responsible to the individuals and their personal network.

Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained with the individual and the individual’s chosen personal network.

Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained internally with the individual’s friends, neighbours, advocates, Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, co-workers, and office employees; and externally with the community, ministry representatives, professionals, employers and others.

An Assistant Coordinator believes in the value and worth of the individual and accepts, as the highest priority, helping the Coordinator to facilitate and oversee the development of that individual’s positive self-identity. Therefore, an Assistant Coordinator's every word and action is centred on this conviction.

Principal Functions and Accountabilities

In co-operation with the individual, their networks, the Coordinator and team, this position will:

In cooperation with the Coordinator, ensure an environment that is emotionally healthy for people to live in.
Assist the Coordinator to monitor the development of self-determination, responsibility and personal growth of the individuals in accordance with their expressed goals as documented in their personal plan.
Facilitate effective counselling and instruction of individuals on choice making as a skill.
Facilitate effective counselling and instruction of individuals in all areas of safety and security in order to assure their well being.
Under the guidance and direction of the Coordinator, educate and assist Community Living Counsellors to counsel and instruct individuals in establishing and maintaining a healthy life style and environment.
Assist the Coordinator to ensure that individuals are coached and advised in a respectful and dignified manner to become as self-sufficient as possible in all areas of daily living and day to day activities, including: relationship building, medication administration, personal appearance, hygiene, assisting with meal times, cleaning, accountability of funds, supported employment, general upkeep and maintenance, etc.
Assist the Coordinator to ensure that individuals are coached and advised on how to integrate themselves in their community.
Adhere to CLS standards of practice in using behavioural techniques and assist the Coordinator to monitor these techniques. These must be incorporated into the individual’s plan and appropriate training will be given before they may be used.
Cooperate with the Coordinator to ensure that respect is being given to the individuals' privacy and confidentiality, and that individuals are being instructed to show each other this same respect.
In cooperation with the Coordinator, be responsive to the changing needs of individuals in all aspects of their lives, through regular reviews of their personal plan.
Assist the Coordinator to monitor supported employment identification, development, and job match appropriateness, as applicable.
In cooperation with the Coordinator, model and ensure the application of the CLS philosophy, policies and procedures in an ethical, caring and professional manner.
Promote and maintain an open-door policy, positive relationships and open communications with the individual’s personal network.
Promote and maintain ongoing, positive relationships and open communications amongst individuals, their friends, other Assistant Coordinators and Coordinators, employers, professionals, government representatives, and the community.
As directed by the Coordinator, assist with general administration in an accurate and timely manner, including scheduling, timesheets, budgeting and financial accountabilities, confidential files, reporting requirements, Community Living Counsellor files, meetings, record keeping, etc.
Under the direction of the Coordinator, assist with recruitment, selection, employment requirements, orientations, discipline, attendance and performance management in cooperation with the Regional Coordinator and Employee Services, in an effective and timely manner.
Actively develop counselling and coaching skills, instructional skills, leadership, delegation, confidence building, role modelling and conflict resolution. Encourage cooperation, humor, and participation within the work team. As directed by the Coordinator, assist with identifying strengths and abilities to Community Living Counsellors, and effectively coaching them as needed.
Provide constructive input and recommendations to improve existing policies, procedures, and protocols. Acts as backup at Coordinator meetings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Senior secondary graduation or equivalent (Grade 12) is required. Some related work experience is required. Some supervisory experience/development would be preferred. Related post-secondary education, a diploma/degree, or formal training in counselling and instruction are assets.

Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and role modelling are required. Hold a commitment to the beliefs, values and principles of the Society.

The desire to develop supervisory skills including leadership, team-building, organizational, administration and public relations skills are essential.

Important skills and abilities include: counselling and coaching skills; crisis prevention and intervention; knowledge of mental health issues; medication administration; augmentative communication skills (e.g.: sign language); health care and computer skills; ability to instruct on daily living, personal care, and life skills (e.g. relationship building).

Desired traits and qualities include: a positive personal identity; being a team player; possessing a friendly nature and positive attitude; being responsible, flexible, respectful and sensitive; having a sense of humour; taking initiative and being willing to work on personal training and development as required. Any special talents that would contribute to more effective services would be an asset.

A Criminal Record Search, T.B. Test, Doctor's Note of Health, Emergency Level First Aid Certificate are required. A Class 4 Driver's License and/or reliable vehicle may be required.

Physical Demands and Special Skills

Work may require employee to stand 50% to 90% of the time. Must be able to apply proper lifting techniques, assist with wheelchair transfers when required, and be physically agile (able to withstand tugging and pulling).

Must demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and appropriately with stressful and crisis situations, such as seizures and aggressive behaviours.

Must be able and willing to support individuals in their daily activities and routines (e.g.: supported employment, recreational, educational or social activities, etc.).

Community Living Counsellor Assistant Coordinator Position Description Reports to Assigned Coordinator and Individual(s) General Accountability The goal of the CLS and its employees is to support individuals in a way of life that is independent and effectively interdependent; thereby, fostering the self-empowerment of all people into a meaningful life in community with others. All of the individuals we serve have spent many years segregated within their community, where many have been physically and emotionally abused. Therefore, the CLS believes the most valuable treatment or therapy we can provide is to nurture meaningful relationships, which are the centre of all human development. In accordance with the CLS philosophy (Beliefs and Values), the Community Living Counsellor, Assistant Coordinator (referred to throughout this document as Assistant Coordinator) assists the Coordinator to facilitate a cooperative, open environment and to ensure the provision of daily counselling and instruction in a manner, which nurtures the self-determination and personal growth of the individuals, we serve. This is carried out in accordance with the individuals' identified goals and objectives as documented in their individual plan. The Assistant Coordinator acts as backup to the Coordinator, and assumes the supervisory functions and accountabilities in the Coordinator's absence. Nature and Scope This position reports directly to the Coordinator and the individuals, and is responsible to the individuals and their personal network. Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained with the individual and the individual’s chosen personal network. Good relationships and communications must be developed and maintained internally with the individual’s friends, neighbours, advocates, Coordinator, Regional Coordinator, co-workers, and office employees; and externally with the community, ministry representatives, professionals, employers and others. An Assistant Coordinator believes in the value and worth of the individual and accepts, as the highest priority, helping the Coordinator to facilitate and oversee the development of that individual’s positive self-identity. Therefore, an Assistant Coordinator's every word and action is centred on this conviction. Principal Functions and Accountabilities In co-operation with the individual, their networks, the Coordinator and team, this position will: In cooperation with the Coordinator, ensure an environment that is emotionally healthy for people to live in. Assist the Coordinator to monitor the development of self-determination, responsibility and personal growth of the individuals in accordance with their expressed goals as documented in their personal plan. Facilitate effective counselling and instruction of individuals on choice making as a skill. Facilitate effective counselling and instruction of individuals in all areas of safety and security in order to assure their well being. Under the guidance and direction of the Coordinator, educate and assist Community Living Counsellors to counsel and instruct individuals in establishing and maintaining a healthy life style and environment. Assist the Coordinator to ensure that individuals are coached and advised in a respectful and dignified manner to become as self-sufficient as possible in all areas of daily living and day to day activities, including: relationship building, medication administration, personal appearance, hygiene, assisting with meal times, cleaning, accountability of funds, supported employment, general upkeep and maintenance, etc. Assist the Coordinator to ensure that individuals are coached and advised on how to integrate themselves in their community. Adhere to CLS standards of practice in using behavioural techniques and assist the Coordinator to monitor these techniques. These must be incorporated into the individual’s plan and appropriate training will be given before they may be used. Cooperate with the Coordinator to ensure that respect is being given to the individuals' privacy and confidentiality, and that individuals are being instructed to show each other this same respect. In cooperation with the Coordinator, be responsive to the changing needs of individuals in all aspects of their lives, through regular reviews of their personal plan. Assist the Coordinator to monitor supported employment identification, development, and job match appropriateness, as applicable. In cooperation with the Coordinator, model and ensure the application of the CLS philosophy, policies and procedures in an ethical, caring and professional manner. Promote and maintain an open-door policy, positive relationships and open communications with the individual’s personal network. Promote and maintain ongoing, positive relationships and open communications amongst individuals, their friends, other Assistant Coordinators and Coordinators, employers, professionals, government representatives, and the community. As directed by the Coordinator, assist with general administration in an accurate and timely manner, including scheduling, timesheets, budgeting and financial accountabilities, confidential files, reporting requirements, Community Living Counsellor files, meetings, record keeping, etc. Under the direction of the Coordinator, assist with recruitment, selection, employment requirements, orientations, discipline, attendance and performance management in cooperation with the Regional Coordinator and Employee Services, in an effective and timely manner. Actively develop counselling and coaching skills, instructional skills, leadership, delegation, confidence building, role modelling and conflict resolution. Encourage cooperation, humor, and participation within the work team. As directed by the Coordinator, assist with identifying strengths and abilities to Community Living Counsellors, and effectively coaching them as needed. Provide constructive input and recommendations to improve existing policies, procedures, and protocols. Acts as backup at Coordinator meetings as needed. Perform other duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications Senior secondary graduation or equivalent (Grade 12) is required. Some related work experience is required. Some supervisory experience/development would be preferred. Related post-secondary education, a diploma/degree, or formal training in counselling and instruction are assets. Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and role modelling are required. Hold a commitment to the beliefs, values and principles of the Society. The desire to develop supervisory skills including leadership, team-building, organizational, administration and public relations skills are essential. Important skills and abilities include: counselling and coaching skills; crisis prevention and intervention; knowledge of mental health issues; medication administration; augmentative communication skills (e.g.: sign language); health care and computer skills; ability to instruct on daily living, personal care, and life skills (e.g. relationship building). Desired traits and qualities include: a positive personal identity; being a team player; possessing a friendly nature and positive attitude; being responsible, flexible, respectful and sensitive; having a sense of humour; taking initiative and being willing to work on personal training and development as required. Any special talents that would contribute to more effective services would be an asset. A Criminal Record Search, T.B. Test, Doctor's Note of Health, Emergency Level First Aid Certificate are required. A Class 4 Driver's License and/or reliable vehicle may be required. Physical Demands and Special Skills Work may require employee to stand 50% to 90% of the time. Must be able to apply proper lifting techniques, assist with wheelchair transfers when required, and be physically agile (able to withstand tugging and pulling). Must demonstrate an ability to deal effectively and appropriately with stressful and crisis situations, such as seizures and aggressive behaviours. Must be able and willing to support individuals in their daily activities and routines (e.g.: supported employment, recreational, educational or social activities, etc.).