Disability Support Worker Team Leader

Blue Heron Support Services Association

Position Summary Reporting to the designated Program Coordinator, the Team Leader provides direction and guidance to direct support staff in the development and implementation of programs, support plans and procedures for the individuals they support. The Team Leader provides onsite/offsite support and supervision to staff on a consistent and regular basis to ensure the quality of services being provided. The Team Leader monitors direct support staff performance and team functioning ensuring that support is of high quality, adheres to the philosophy and policy standards of the association and promotes a natural and normal life for each individual receiving support. The Team Leader is responsible for providing support to Individuals in accordance with Blue Heron’s philosophy, the Principles of Support and the Individual’s Personal Support plan and that facilitates the Individual’s growth, development and achievement of personal goals.

1. Specific Duties and Responsibilities

a. Staffing and Supervision

• Ensure a complete and thorough program orientation for each new staff, according to policy, utilizing the orientation process and checklists as applicable.
• Provide consultation and input to the Program Coordinator in developing and managing the team master schedules
• Ensure staff complete all mandatory training,
• Provide onsite/offsite support and supervision to staff on a consistent and regular basis.
• Monitor ongoing performance of staff formally and informally. Evaluate staff performance in accordance with policy.
• Review position descriptions with staff at annual evaluation.
• Ensure personnel files are kept up to date and ensure confidentiality at all times.
• Promote team building and open communication at all times.
• Address staff issues, differences and grievances as they arise in an open, supportive manner. Document and relay major problems and staff grievances to the Program Coordinator.
• Conduct regular staff meetings and ensure minutes are kept and any necessary follow-up completed.
• Ensure all staff receives important association and program information.
• Ensure staff understand risk management and are working towards identifying and minimizing risks.
• Ensure the Human Resources department is aware of staffing needs and has a clear profile and understanding of requirements for suitable staff to support the individual and program needs.
• As requested or required, participate with the Human Resources Department in the recruitment of staff as part of an interview team.

b. Individual Support

• Ensure all new Individuals receive an orientation to the organization and relevant programs as appropriate.
• Establish a supportive and effective relationship with each Individual that facilitates the development of independence.
• Act as a role model and display appropriate responsible behavior. Ensure staff also maintains this standard.
• Encourage a developmental approach with Individuals in an age and situation appropriate manner.
• Encourage the community integration of Individuals. Develop and implement opportunities for structured, formal as well as informal involvement in the community.
• Ensure appropriate support is provided to each Individual as per their service agreement and Individual Support Plan.
• Ensure important personal needs of Individuals are addressed and the development of self
• help skills is considered in program planning (e.g. in the areas of personal care, health and safety, sufficient and appropriate clothing, appearance, finances, etc).
• Deal with important Individual concerns in an appropriate and respectful manner. Discuss major concerns/issues/grievances with the Program Coordinator.
• Ensure adequate and ethical procedures are implemented at all times with each Individual’s well being always at the forefront.
• Monitor individual logs, records and reports and other documentation to ensure they are kept complete, confidential and as per policy.
• Regularly monitor Individual’s budget, bank accounts and financial records to ensure money is safeguarded, as applicable.
• Ensure that staff addresses important medical, dental, optical and other areas needing professional involvement with all Individuals as required.
• Promote the good nutrition and health of each Individual.

c . Program Development and Implementation

• Working with the Program Coordinator and Planning Facilitator, participate in person centered and individual service planning with each Individual.
• Ensure the development of individual program procedures including but not limited to goal planning, positive approaches and procedures
• Working with the Behaviour Plan Coordinator participate in the development, implementation of positive and restrictive behavior intervention procedures as needed including all necessary data collection and reporting.
• Provide direction and support to staff in the development, implementation and