Top Job Thursday

Developmental Services Worker

Description

A Developmental Services Worker supports individuals who have a developmental disability to enhance their ability to function within all aspects of community living. Duties may include:

• Completing and maintaining client history and background forms
• Participating in the development and implementation of person directed plans
• Supporting individuals to develop and maintain relationships within the family and community
• Managing individual medication
• Developing and applying crisis intervention strategies
• Responsible for modeling and promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a safe environment

Personal Qualities

• You like working with others
• You are cooperative
• You enjoy helping people
• You are able to sit for long periods of time
• You enjoy developing and implementing plans
• You are able to use computers and other technologies
• You have strong communication skills
• Review the Essential Skills profile for additional qualities required: click here

Career Opportunities

• Many Developmental Service Workers work for school boards, group homes or in private homes
• Some workers may be employed by the government and/or community agencies

Educational/Training Requirements

• The minimum entry for apprenticeship is Grade 12
• Completion of a 3,720 hour apprenticeship program is required

Potential Earnings

• Apprentices progress towards a journeyperson's wages over time
• Wages generally range from $13.00 to $28.65 an hour, excluding overtime, with journeypersons usually earning the higher end of the pay scale

Prospects For Employment

• Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2009
• Most employment opportunities for this occupation are found in the service sector, primarily in non-institutional health services such as community mental health and addictions clinics
• Job opportunities may also be found in the private sector

For more information: CLICK HERE