Integration Aide

Integration Aide

Tamir Child and Youth Programs | After School and Sunday Respite

Hourly wage: $24.42 per hour | Direct support | Participant age range: 6–16

Position overview

The Integration Aide provides individualized support to children and youth with developmental disabilities and complex support needs in Tamir’s after-school and Sunday programming. The role helps participants enjoy activities, build relationships and develop communication, social and daily living skills while providing dependable respite for families. The Integration Aide works under the Lead Integration Aide in collaboration with the Clinical Supervisor and program supervisor.

Participant needs and support criteria

Support is based on each participant’s strengths, interests, preferences and individualized plan. The following are possible support needs, assessed individually during intake and reviewed with families and the supervising team; they are not admission restrictions or needs assumed for every participant.

• Communication: support speech, gestures, picture systems or augmentative and alternative communication devices; allow processing time and help participants express choices, discomfort and requests for breaks.

• Sensory and emotional regulation: recognize individual responses to noise, lighting, touch, movement and busy environments; offer agreed quiet spaces, movement breaks and predictable transitions.

• Daily living and personal care: provide the documented level of assistance with toileting, hygiene, dressing and eating, protecting privacy and encouraging independence.

• Participation and learning: adapt instructions, materials and pacing to support play, peer interaction, basic academic tasks and life skills without requiring every child to participate in the same way.

• Safety and health: understand each participant’s supervision, mobility, allergy, dietary and emergency needs, including any documented risk of leaving a supervised area. Escalate needs beyond staff training or program capacity.

Program schedule and setting

Anticipated shifts include after-school participant programming from 3–7 p.m., Sunday participant programming from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Assignments may include indoor and outdoor activities and approved community outings. Scheduling is confirmed by Tamir.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, maintaining assigned 1:1 or 3:1supervision and clear staff handovers during arrivals, departures, breaks, transitions and outings.

• Read and follow individualized support, communication, behaviour and emergency plans. Implement approved goals accurately; refer proposed changes to the supervising team rather than changing clinical goals independently.

• Support participation in arts and crafts, science, physical and social activities, cooking, LEGO projects, life skills and basic academic support. Collaborate with activity staff to adapt activities to the participant.

• Use visual schedules, choice boards, step-by-step prompts and other agreed supports. Encourage choice, self-advocacy and independence, gradually reducing assistance when appropriate.

• Recognize early signs of distress, fatigue or discomfort. Use calm, proactive support and approved de-escalation strategies; seek assistance promptly and follow Tamir’s safety procedures.

• Provide personal care and mobility assistance only within documented plans and demonstrated competency. Follow infection prevention procedures. Medication or specialized health tasks require Tamir authorization, appropriate training and clear written instructions.

• Collect objective data and maintain accurate daily records of participation, progress, support provided and incidents. Report changes in needs and safety concerns promptly to the Lead Integration Aide and supervisor.

• Communicate respectfully with parents, caregivers and colleagues within the role’s authority. Protect confidential information and share relevant updates through approved channels.

• Participate in team meetings and required training; prepare and clean activity spaces and equipment, and complete documentation during allocated staff time.

• Respect each participant’s identity, dignity and culture, and support Tamir’s Jewish community and cultural programming in an inclusive and welcoming manner.

Candidate qualifications

• Diploma or degree, completed or in progress, in psychology, social work, education, developmental services, child and youth care, or a related field.

• At least one year of experience supporting children or youth, preferably in a group setting; relevant experience with developmental disabilities or complex support needs is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to follow individualized plans and adapt communication, sensory supports and activities. Comfortable providing respectful personal care following training.

• Strong observation, problem-solving, communication, organization and teamwork skills; dependable, patient and flexible during changing routines.

• Ability to perform assigned supervision and personal support duties safely, with accommodation where required. Basic Microsoft Office and Teams or Zoom skills.

• Employment conditions: current Standard First Aid and CPR C, satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, and completion of Tamir’s required orientation and participant-specific training before independent assignment. English–French bilingualism is an asset.

Accommodations

Tamir is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity, dignity and worth of every individual. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout recruitment. Applicants contacted about an opportunity should advise Tamir before the interview of any accommodation required.