Careers in Community Disability Services

Make a difference. Be the difference.

Getting dressed. Commuting to work. Making dinner. These are activities most of us take for granted. Every day, however, people with disabilities can be challenged by these and other life activities such as language, mobility, learning, self-help, and independent living. But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can make a difference – by choosing a career in Community Disability Services.

All it takes is passion, a great attitude and the appropriate training, and you can embark on a rewarding career helping people with disabilities overcome the obstacles they face each day. You can help people experience the joy and fulfillment of being valued and respected members of their neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces. And you can make it possible to pursue dreams and lead lives full of endless opportunities.

In short, you’ll have the potential to help individuals with disabilities enjoy their highest level of independence, while enriching your community with their strength and personal spirits.

“…it is demanding work. But it’s certainly worth it. When I get home, it feels great to think back over what I did that day and know I made a difference in someone’s life.”

 It’s more than a profession. It’s a passion.

Entry Level Positions (Community Disability Service Worker) - Individuals in this role should be equipped with the essential training and relevant experience to provide proficient service in relatively straightforward situations. This represents the entry-level position as a true Community Support Worker.

Experienced Front-line Role (Community Disability Services Practitioner) - Individuals in this role will typically have additional specialized education and training, and more extensive experience to provide service in more complex circumstances and cover a broader range of service options.  While not a true supervisor, this role may be responsible for coordinating other less-experienced service providers.

Front-line Supervisory (Team Leader) - Individuals in this role are typically responsible for leading a team of service providers, while maintaining direct service responsibilities. This is a combined direct service/supervisory role and represents the first step into broader leadership. A key aspect of this role is training and support for direct service staff.

Operational Leadership Role (Coordinator) - Individuals in this role are typically responsible for coordinating a set of services or programs within an agency. While there may be some direct service contacts dealing with service coordination issues, the role is primarily administrative. Key aspects of the role include the development and implementation of process guidelines, service monitoring and evaluation, service delivery coordination and intervention, budget administration and management, funding proposal development, and community liaison.  This role will take on various responsibilities depending upon the size of the agency and scope of services provided.

Senior Management Role (Director) - Individuals in this role have a broader range of program and service area responsibilities. While not at the Chief Executive/Executive Director level, this role is responsible for providing input on the organization’s strategic agenda and will take on direct leadership responsibility for a significant aspect of the organization’s business/service plan. There is a key role in community liaison and greater scope of responsibility for service planning and funding. The financial management responsibilities are more focused on a group of services, rather than a particular services area.

Specialist (or Consultant role) – Although their roles are usually not defined in detail, specialists or consultants act as resources to direct service providers. These individuals play an essential role in staff training and development, especially as the scope of service expands and the complexity and diversity of support needs increase. This position may also be a step on the path to more senior supervisory leadership.

The Most Satisfying Career You’ll Ever Have
In addition to making a difference in people’s lives and in your community, a career in Community Disability Services also offers:

• Challenging and interesting work
• Flexible work schedules
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities
• A voice in planning
• Career advancement opportunities
• Healthy, safe and positive work environments
• Training and skill development support
• Open communication channels
• A focus on balancing work and personal life
• Work in a team environment
• Respectful relationships