Full-Time Direct Support Worker

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.

Successful candidates will provide a range of supports and services to adults with a developmental disability in the areas of community participation, life skill development, activities of daily living, health and wellness, as well as transportation.

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
• Extended health care coverage, Registered Pension Plan, and optional RRSP
• Employee and Family Assistance Program for all staff, their partners, and dependents
• Discounted rates on home and auto insurance
• Fun and engaging workplace.

Responsibilities

• Promoting people’s skills and abilities
• Providing opportunities and education for growth and development
• Honouring personal choice and informed decision-making
• Implementing individualized routines that are patterned to reflect typical life experiences and which involve people to the highest degree possible
• Strong commitment to person directed support and the vision of KW Habilitation
• Providing respectful and supportive personal care
• Providing lifts and transfers as necessary.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education related to Human Services, completed or on-going.
• Ability to implement positive behavior approaches, work as an integral part of the team, and demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills.
• Able to demonstrate creative problem-solving, decision-making, initiative, resilience, and collaboration.
• Commitment to providing person directed support and must believe in an inclusive community, fostering independence, and advocating for others to have their own voice.
• Experience working / volunteering with people who have a developmental disability.
• The successful candidate will have strong organizational, housekeeping/cleaning, and communication skills. Knowledge of KWH administration procedures is an asset.
• A comfort level with intimate personal care and skills in providing direct personal care and positive behavioral support.
• Current Emergency First Aid, NVCI, and computer skills are also essential. Additional training is provided by KW Habilitation.

Core Competencies

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 3:00pm to 11:00pm
Rate of Pay: $44,532.80 to $49,483.20 annually

Applicants must submit a résumé and cover letter online with a summary of relevant qualifications and reason for interest in this position by Friday, May 22, 2026.

To apply, please visit our Job Application page

Please address the cover letter to the location Manager:
ATTN: Dean Steiss – Manager of Inclusive Living

Only successful applicants will be notified. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.

Job ID: 2652278

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.