Community Living Dundas County (CLDC) provides opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities to develop skills, share their passions, explore interests, and increase their social engagement while participating in leisure-based activities. Matthew (left), one of CLDC’s supported individuals, is pictured with staff member Melody. Courtesy Photo
MORRISBURG – “Working at Community Living has been a very rewarding experience, not only with the individuals that I support, but the management team, the staff. It really is a life-changing experience,” Summer Jean said.
Jean is a personal support worker (PSW) with Community Living Dundas County (CLDC), an organization that provides services and supports to adults with intellectual disabilities. CLDC also provides training and resources for families, self-advocates, and community members. With its headquarters in Morrisburg (55 Allison Avenue), CLDC has community homes in Morrisburg, Williamsburg, and Winchester.
“I’ve been working at Community Living for about two years,” Lilly Picard said. “I know that joining a new team sometimes might be intimidating, but once you meet all the residents and staff at your orientation, you might quickly find yourself having fun and learning and expanding on so many different skills, to help support all the people at Community Living. When you start your in-home orientation, you’re going to learn things like how to support people with medications, their hygiene routines, and meals, but mostly you’re going to be spending your time getting to know the residents by talking with them and spending time with them.”
Currently, CLDC needs more casual and part-time PSWs. Candidates will support adults who have an intellectual disability as they develop their capacity to live, learn, work, and participate in all aspects of living in the community.
“We are looking for candidates with excellent interpersonal communication and behavioural expertise, the ability to work effectively as a team member,” CLDC human resources generalist Morgan Chambers said. “Candidates must have a diploma in human services, a valid Ontario driver’s licence, as well as certification in CPR, First Aid, and Nonviolent CPI.”
With a shortage of available PSWs in Ontario, CLDC has created a recruitment video that includes messaging from both CLDC staff and the individuals they support. The video can be found on YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=4ZfBgBlnWHc).
“Hi, I’m Laura. I’m a full-time support worker at two of the homes,” CLDC’s Laura Jarvis said. “I have had many opportunities to learn and grow as a professional. I am a member of the Join Health and Safety Committee and was a co-facilitator for People First Dundas County. The CLDC values are what guide me through my everyday working practice.”
In addition to using people-first language, CLDC’s values include respect, dignity, autonomy, growth, development, and inclusion. CLDC’s stated vision is for “an inclusive community-at-large where every person is accepted, supported, and acknowledged as a valued citizen for their participation and contribution.”
People First Dundas County is part of People First Canada, a national non-profit organization for men and women with an intellectual disability supporting one another to reclaim their right to be recognized as full citizens. CLDC has had an active People First group for several years. People First Dundas County can be found on Facebook.
“I’ve been employed here at Community Living Dundas County for 11 years. I’m currently the manager of the Victoria Street group home in Winchester, and the Community Participation Program,” Steve Claxton said. “I have had the opportunity to work in all environments within this agency, and work amongst many great teams here at CLDC. We provide living options and the supports needed to meet each person’s unique needs. We have six homes within Dundas County – two in Winchester, two in Williamsburg, and two in Morrisburg. We also provide support for semi-independent living at home.”
To apply to Community Living Dundas County, send an email (cldc@cldc.ca) or visit the organization’s website (cldc.ca/careers). To learn more about CLDC and to stay current on what’s happening, such as upcoming events, fundraising activities, and volunteer or employment opportunities, sign up for the CLDC newsletter, and follow them on Facebook. To reach the main office, phone 613-543-3737.
“Join our team,” Chambers said. “Apply by emailing your resumé or submitting your application through our website. We are looking forward to hearing from you.”
CLDC is hosting two Recruitment Days in November. The first is set for Nov. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the second is set for Nov. 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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