Supportive Roommate Job Description

Overview:

Guided by goals determined in collaboration with the family and individual, the supportive roommate will be responsible for fostering the development of skills and competencies that will assist our family member to pursue and fulfill their goal of living as independently as possible. The supportive roommate will help with daily living tasks and provide companionship, enabling the personal development.

Responsibilities:

- Daily Living Support: Assist with basic tasks while encouraging personal development

o Plan healthy menu options and make grocery lists

o Prepare meals or ensure family member prepares meals

o Remind family member to do chores, assist with dishes, laundry, and cleaning

o Prompt daily personal care routine and general health and hygiene routines

o Ensure appropriate dress (for weather conditions etc.)

o Coordinating transportation when required

o Ensure attendance at appointments and day programs

- Companionship & Healthy Lifestyle: Encourage and promote healthy living, lead by example

o Engage in conversation and provide emotional support

o Assist our family member to identify day, evening and weekend activities in the community, where he can connect with others around common interests. Facilitate meaningful participation

o Visit gym or participate in sports activity (cardio) twice per week with the family member (reimbursable)

o Get outdoors at least once per week

o Seek weekly entertainment out of the house, e.g. show, concert, movie (reimbursable)

o Plan occasional day trips and holidays (reimbursable)

- Medication Reminders:

o Remind the roommate about medication schedules and appointments

- Safety Monitoring:
Be attentive and respond to potential safety hazards

o Perform regular safety briefings related to fire and first aid

o Oversee online engagement and identify risks (technical, social and financial)

o Report any safety issues to relevant parties without delay

- Life Skills Development:

o Assist in the development of long-term goals

o Ensure consistent progress towards these goals

o Keep day to day spending on track and in line with budget

- Communication:
Maintain open and respectful communication

o Be present, listen and answer family member's questions

o Keep brief records of successes and concerns

o Address concerns promptly and collaboratively

o Provide regular updates to guardians, including developing issues and conflicts that are not being adequately resolved

- Respectful Boundaries:
Understand and respect the family member's privacy and personal space while providing necessary support

Accountabilities:

- Communication: Build strong and respectful relationships with the individual and their family

- Professionalism: Communicate in a professional manner via emails or a medium discussed with the family

- Confidentiality: always maintain confidentiality

- Interaction: Interact in a non-intrusive, non-threatening, image-enhancing and age-appropriate manner

- Safety: Be aware of physical, social and recreational environments, and taking action to minimize risks and maximize inclusion

- Documentation: Maintain documentation as required by the family

- Advocate: Assist our family member to advocate and advocate on his behalf when necessary

Qualifications & Requirements:

- Educational Diploma or Certificate in mental health, developmental disabilities, social work, psychology, counseling, healthcare, or substantial experience in a related field

- Positive Attitude:
Demonstrated ability to be patient, understanding, and supportive in a shared living situation. Has a steadfast commitment to inclusion, the right for all people to belong, participate and contribute to the community

- Dependability and Accountability: Dedicated to responsibilities and consistent with schedule. Exhibiting good judgement and problem solving

- Creativity & Flexibility: Creative, imaginative, knowledgeable and self-directed. Willingness to adapt to changing needs, maintaining a collaborative, patient approach

- Communication Skills:
Ability to clearly communicate needs and concerns empathetically, actively listen, and resolve conflicts constructively. The ability to demonstrate patience and use thoughtful language

- Basic Life Skills:
Cleanly. Proficient in everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and spending within a budget

- Coaching & Mentorship Skills: Knowledge of and ability to demonstrate and support the development of skills as they relate to managing a home and social life. Leads by example, learning new skills and develop increasing independence

- Resourcefulness: Knowledge of community resources available and ability to support the person's participation and inclusion within their community

- A valid Class 5 driver's license; access to a reliable vehicle and applicable insurance

- First Aid and CPR certification

- Police check complete with a Vulnerable Sector Check

Experience:

- 2+ Years experience supporting teenagers or adults with developmental disabilities

- Experience with Autism Spectrum is preferred

Expected Time Off:

- 48 hours off every other weekend

- Four weeks per year vacation, away from home or at home, free from duties

Please note that job responsibilities and time off may change from time to time at the discretion of the family.