JOB OPPORTUNITY:
SKILLS TRAINER – DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (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.
We are seeking an experienced Direct Support Professional to join our team as a Skills Trainer. In this role, you will support the delivery of Project SEARCH in partnership with the Waterloo Catholic District School Board and the Cambridge Memorial Hospital. Successful applicants will demonstrate a strong commitment to person directed support, and the vision of KW Habilitation.
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
- Support learners in identifying and achieving their personal, educational, and employment goals through individualized coaching, education, training, and hands-on instruction.
- Provide on-the-job coaching to help learners develop work skills, workplace etiquette, teamwork, workplace safety awareness, strong work ethics, and natural workplace support.
- Use active support strategies; including modelling, coaching, and individualized learning assistance to foster independence, skill development, and the achievement of personal outcomes.
- Develop and support high-quality internship experiences.
- Collaborate closely with hospital staff and peer mentors, gather feedback on intern performance, and evaluate skill development and workplace success.
- Support job seekers facing barriers to employment in preparing for, obtaining, and maintaining meaningful employment within their communities.
Requirements
- College diploma (2 years), Developmental Service Worker (DSW) Apprenticeship Certificate, and/or University degree in Human Services.
- Minimum one-year direct experience working with people with developmental disabilities (experience with youth is an asset).
- A comprehensive understanding and demonstration of Core Competencies and person directed support, relationship building, and networking.
- Ability to implement positive approaches for any demeanor, work as an integral part of the team, and be comfortable working offsite alone. Must be an effective interpersonal communicator.
- You must possess a strong desire to build an inclusive community through fostering independence and advocacy.
- Experience in facilitation, relationship management, and job coaching are an asset.
- Able to demonstrate initiative, resilience, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and decision-making.
- A valid G driver’s license, current First Aid, NVCI, and computer skills are all essential requirements.
- Due to hospital policies, you will be required to provide proof of two COVID-19 vaccinations and complete a two-step Tuberculosis (TB) skin test.
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: 40 hours per week. This follows the school calendar and will typically be Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM -4:00 PM. Time off requests will follow the needs of the school calendar. Some flexibility is required.
Start Date: August 2026
End Date: End of June 2027
Rate of Pay: $25.38 – $28.20 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 26, 2026.
To apply, please visit our Job Application page HERE
Please address the cover letter to the location Supervisor:
ATTN: Allyson Dasilva – Supervisor of Community and Employment Supports
Only successful applicants will be notified. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.
Job ID: 2672623
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.