JOB OPPORTUNITY:
DIRECT SUPPORT WORKER (PART-TIME CONTRACT)
LOCATION: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
KW Habilitation is a local not-for-profit organization that provides a wide range of individualized services and supports to children with any special need and adults with developmental disabilities. We support individuals to live a fulfilling life which is fostered through preschool and early learning supports, respite services, residential services, community participation, and employment supports.
The YEP Social & YEP Skills programs will create connections for youth across the community rather than limit their connections to just their immediate schools. YEP Social & YEP Skills will allow people from across many schools to create a community that will enhance their personal life after high school. A place outside of the school system to socialize is important to building connections.
Our Vision Statement guides our work: “A community where everyone belongs and participates”.
Perks
- Developmental Service Worker Apprenticeship Program Sponsor
- Paid on-the-job training
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Employee and Family Assistance Program for all staff, their partners, and dependents
- Discounted rates on home and auto insurance
- Fun and engaging workplace.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and facilitate community-based activities that reflect participants’ interests and goals.
- Support youth and young adults with developmental disabilities, ages 13–25, in developing self-advocacy, independence, life skills, social connections, and confidence in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
- Foster a respectful and supportive atmosphere that recognizes each person’s strengths, encourages exploration, and creates opportunities for learning, growth, and meaningful community participation.
- The role also includes a significant online component, including content creation and the development of participant communications, promotional materials, and program resources for YEP Skills and YEP Social.
- Successful candidates will be energetic, person-directed, highly motivated, organized, and passionate about supporting young people to build meaningful lives in their communities
Requirements
- Some post-secondary education in a related Human Services field.
- Commitment to providing person-directed support, fostering independence, and advocating for others.
- Able to demonstrate creative problem solving and decision making, initiative, resilience, and collaboration.
- Experience working/volunteering with youth who have a developmental disability preferred.
- First Aid and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) training an asset.
- A valid G or G2 driver’s license.
- Computer skills (Canva, Mailchimp are an asset).
Core Competencies
- Advocacy
- Building Relationships
- Championing Change and Innovation
- Facilitating Growth and Development
- Inclusive Leadership
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Resilience
- Resource Management
- Strategic Thinking
- Valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
For more information on Core Competencies, please see: Home | DS Workforce Initiative (dscorecomp.com)
Schedule: 30-40 hours a month (primarily evenings)
Start Date: ASAP
End Date: December 31, 2026
Rate of Pay: $22.05 – $24.50 per hour
Applicants must submit a résumé and cover letter online with a summary of relevant qualifications and reason for interest in this position by July 29, 2026.
To apply, please visit our Job Application page HERE
Please address the cover letter to the location Manager:
ATTN: Amy Haynes – Manager of Community and Employment Supports
Only successful applicants will be notified. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.
Job ID: 267295
This job posting is for a current, open vacancy.
KW Habilitation is committed to employment equity. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates including, 2SLGBTQ+ identified persons, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Individuals, and members of Black and other racialized communities, and individuals for whom English is not their first language. We seek to provide accessibility for all applicants with our accessibility policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.