Family Home Provider - General Application

FamilyHome Provider

Volunteer Position
(Note: Minor details may be subject to change)
Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR)

Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone?

So do we!

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) was founded on the values of working with people with disabilities to grow their social relationships and be seen and valued as full contributing citizens in our community.

If this sounds exciting to you, join our dynamic team to help bring these values to life in our community.

What is the FamilyHome Program?

FamilyHome is a chance to welcome someone into your home and life, providing support as needed, as they become a member of the home and family. No two families are the same and that’s the way we like it. The diversity of families is what makes FamilyHome thrive, as this provides adults supported in the program the full spectrum of what it means to be family.

The foundational elements of FamilyHome are to provide a caring, stable home environment that promotes acceptance, a focus on dignity, and helping to create relationships and build communities of people to belong to. FamilyHome (FH) Providers make an impact, but it’s never just a one-way relationship. The mutual benefits are life changing.

Who are we looking for?

FH Providers are an integral support to the FamilyHome Program in providing daily, shared living type supports to an adult with a developmental disability. In this model, there will be one adult joining you in your home, and with whom you will develop an intentional relationship to serve as primary caregivers throughout their living time together.

If you don’t have a home or are renting a home/apartment, you may still be eligible to become a provider. Please reach out to inquire if there are any alternative housing models available based on your living circumstances.

What You Bring:

• Secondary School diploma OR some Secondary School with related experience.
• Direct experience working with people who have developmental and physical disabilities, and their families or other networks is an asset
• Ability to provide coaching and reminders around personal care as needed
• Ability to assist in planning and scheduling daily activities both in and out of the home
• Proven excellence with communication skills
• Ability to support a person in managing changing medical needs
• Ability to travel throughout Waterloo Region (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, surrounding Townships) via personal vehicle or public transit for purposes of grocery shopping, social, recreational, opportunities, etc.
• One positive landlord reference

EAFWR is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment. We recognize that people from underrepresented populations and intersecting identities often face increased discrimination or systemic barriers and may choose not to apply for a position if they do not meet/exceed the requirements listed in a posting. The requirements listed are guidelines, and candidates do not have to satisfy every requirement or meet every qualification to apply. Candidates are encouraged to seek accommodations to support their application.

What You Will Do:

FH Providers are responsible for at-home support. They will work in partnership with the FamilyHome/SIL Coordinator and the Direct Support Person, to share the tasks of ongoing support (a clear outline of roles and responsibilities between all support parties will be outlined and agreed upon prior to engaging in this relationship together).

An ongoing objective of this living model is to provide learning opportunities for the person supported to develop more areas of independence. Being guided by the needs of the person supported and the FamilyHome/Supported Independent Living Coordinator, the provider(s) will:

Support the Specific Needs of the Person Supported:

• Participate in the paid Matching Process for the person supported. A Match Process consists of an initial Match Visit between the FH Provider(s), Coordinator, Person Supported, and any Family/Providers attached, at least 2-3 additional “get to know you” visits, and at minimum 1-2 respite stays (including overnight), before moving in together. The purpose is for introductions, match suitability, and orientation/training needed specifically for the person. Matching hours will be compensated at the respite per diem rate
• Maintain and follow guidelines specific to the leased Apartment unit (if applicable)
• Supporting people with mobility restrictions may be required
• The person supported may need assistance with meal preparation, eating/feeding and personal care (bathing, toileting, brushing teeth, shaving, nail care, changing briefs)
  

Oversee and Facilitate the Home and Living Relationship Together:

• Provider will support the development of an ongoing schedule to help share and divide the in-home support needs and responsibilities between the Provider(s) and the DSP to allow for their ongoing work/education/life commitments
• Help organize and plan the activities together with the person supported as desired to enjoy a developing relationship together
• Will support and help organize transportation (taxi or Mobility Plus, etc.), or accompaniment on public transit as needed
• Provide opportunities to connect with and socialize with others in the community according to both your interests (i.e. FH Providers are welcome to introduce the person supported to their own support networks, and vice versa)
• Maintain a clean home environment and ensure the person supported has assistance (as needed) for regular cleaning to both common living spaces and their own room
• Maintain excellent and timely communication between FH/SIL Coordinator and Facilitator, Direct Support People, families and Providers; attend monthly meetings
• Assistance with emotional regulation and problem solving as needed

Provide Support to EAFWR Administration by:

• Maintain awareness of and adherence to relevant guidelines, policies and procedures
• Be available for physical checks of the home from EAFWR Coordinator in accordance with MCCSS Quality Assurance Measures to ensure safety standards are met
• Be available for home visits with the person supported and the coordinator for the purposes of updates, problem-solving and ensuring a healthy and sustainable living environment
• Promote the growth of an organizational culture that is both inclusive and anti-oppressive
• Participate in training and staff development as requested/required
• Provide documents relevant to the position as requested by EAFWR

How Will EAFWR Support You?

Extend-A-Family can support you through financial cost recovery, including:

• A non-taxable daily per diem, paid bi-weekly
• Set mileage payment for driving, rate is to be determined

Duration:

The Family position is designed to be a medium- to long-term shared living commitment of a minimum 1 year and may continue indefinitely if the living situation is a good fit for all involved. For the sake of continuity and positive relationship development and attachment, it is hoped that this relationship could last beyond the 1 year minimum for the sake of the adult supported. This will foster a sense of belonging, history and tradition for both the person supported and the FH Provider.

About You:

The following questions will guide the work of every FamilyHome volunteer who provides support:

• Flexibility – How can I provide what the situation needs?
• Self-Control – How do I demonstrate poise under pressure?
• Self-Development – How do I continually improve my skills and knowledge?
• Service Orientation – How have I given the best service with the best options that I can?
• Values and Ethics – How am I an authentic ambassador of my organization’s values and principles?

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Michelle Boismier, at [email protected]or 519 741-0190 ext. 249.

If interested, please apply to this posting, and we look forward to working with you!