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.
The Community Supports Connector is a Direct Support Professional role that provides person-directed support to small groups of people with developmental disabilities in the community and out of KW Habilitation within Waterloo Region. Working with a small, consistent group, this position blends the structure and reliability of traditional support with the relationship-building, community-first philosophy of the Local Community Connector model. The Community Supports Connector is a relationship builder.
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
- Employee and Family Assistance Program for all staff, their partners, and dependents
- Discounted rates on home and auto insurance
- Fun and engaging workplace.
Responsibilities
- Support people to identify and pursue their individual interests, goals, and desired outcomes through personalized planning and meaningful daily experiences.
- Use a variety of tools and strategies for goal setting, action planning, and skill development.
- Facilitate opportunities for participants to navigate and actively engage in their communities, including recreation, social connection, volunteerism, and everyday community spaces.
- Support individuals to build natural relationships, increase confidence and independence, and expand participation in community life beyond program hours over time.
- Actively promote a community-first approach, collaboration with local organizations and neighborhood resources, and the creation of inclusive opportunities that foster belonging and participation. Daily schedules and activities are co-designed with participants, responsive to feedback from people supported and families, and aligned with person-directed principles, inclusion, and Journey to Belonging.
Requirements
- College diploma (minimum two-year), Developmental Services Worker (DSW) Apprenticeship Certificate, and/or university degree in Human Services or related field.
- Minimum one year of direct experience supporting people with developmental disabilities.
- Demonstrated understanding of core competencies, person-directed practice, relationship building, and community networking.
- Ability to implement positive, respectful approaches; work collaboratively as part of a team; and work independently in community settings.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and commitment to fostering independence, inclusion, and advocacy.
- Experience in facilitation, community engagement, relationship management, or job coaching is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated initiative, resilience, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and sound decision-making.
- Valid G driver’s license, current First Aid/CPR, NVCI certification, and computer proficiency are required.
Core Competencies
- Championing Change and Innovation
- Facilitating Growth and Development
- Problem Solving & Decision Making
- Valuing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (flexibility needed, as some evenings, and/or weekends may be required)
Start Date: August 24, 2026
End Date: April 2, 2027
Rate of Pay: $25.38 – $28.20 per hour
Applicants must submit a résumé and cover letter online with a summary of relevant qualifications and reason for interest in this position by July 30, 2026.
To apply, please visit our Job Application page
Please address the cover letter to the location Manager:
ATTN: Amy Haynes – Manager of Community and Employment Supports
Only successful applicants will be notified. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted.
Job ID: 267305
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.
