We are looking for a compassionate, organized and client focused individual who resides in the Sarnia-Lambton County area to join our agency for an 18-month maternity leave contract for a full-time Advocacy Planning Support Worker (APSW) position. The APSW provides trustee services, advocacy and case management assistance to individuals with a developmental disability, living independently. The successful candidate will support individuals in identifying their goals, understanding their rights, accessing community resources, and developing person-centered plans that promote independence, inclusion, and overall well-being.

The target population is individuals who have a developmental disability, based on an assessment of intellectual functioning and level of independence determined by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

- Assist clients in developing and implementing individualized advocacy and support plans.
- Provide information, guidance, and referrals to community resources and services.
- Support clients in understanding their rights, available benefits, and service options.
- Advocate on behalf of clients when appropriate while promoting self-advocacy skills.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records and documentation.
- Participate in case conferences, service planning meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
- Monitor client progress and adjust support plans as needed.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with community agencies, healthcare providers, government services, and other stakeholders.
- Assist clients with navigating housing, healthcare, income supports, education, employment, and social services systems.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion,



and culturally responsive service delivery.
- Comply with organizational policies, confidentiality requirements, and applicable legislation.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

- Strong understanding of services provided both by the Centre and by other community resources and social service systems in Sarnia-Lambton.
- Knowledge of client-centered planning and advocacy principles.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Strong organizational and documentation abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team workplace.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

QUALIFICATIONS

- The minimum qualification for this position is a Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Social Sciences
- Relevant experience providing advocacy, case management, client support, or community service coordination.
- Relevant experience with developmentally disabled individuals.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations, individuals with disabilities, seniors, mental health clients, or marginalized communities is considered an asset.
- Strong communication, recording and computer skills.
- Must have own transportation and be willing to meet with clients at their place of residence when necessary.

Company Information: At the Family Counselling Centre,



we provide essential services that directly strengthen our community, promote individual well-being, and preserve family life. We are an established accredited agency, a member of Family Service Ontario, and proud to be a United Way Funded Partner. As a community based not-for-profit organization, we deliver diverse programs in Lambton County. Our programs provide strategies to deal with life stresses and assist in developing interpersonal relationship skills. We believe in meaningful work with significant impact. We recognize everyday challenges and offer positive solutions to help positively impact our client’s lives. The Family Counselling Centre is committed to being an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from qualified individuals including persons of all genders and sexual orientations, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, and members of visible minorities.

Family Counselling Centre is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact our Human Resources.

Please send your cover letter and resume to: [email protected] no later than October 15, 2026.

We appreciate all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not being used to screen or assess job applicants.

Pay: $29.56-$39.33 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits

- On-site parking

Application question(s):
- Must have own transportation

Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:
- working with vulnerable population: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Advocacy Planning Support Worker-Maternity Backfill - Sarnia
🏢 Family Counselling Centre
📍 Sarnia