About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, compassionate and dependable support worker for our 18-year-old son, who is autistic and has significant ADHD and executive-functioning challenges.

This role combines companionship, life-skills development, community participation and respite for family caregivers. We are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys spending time with young adults, building relationships and supporting meaningful, enjoyable experiences.

A solid practical understanding of autism, significant ADHD, emotional regulation and rejection-sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is essential. The successful candidate must know how to engage and communicate effectively, recognize triggers and respond to challenging moments in ways that preserve trust, dignity and safety.

Support will begin in our home, allowing time to build rapport and establish a trusting relationship with our son before progressing to community outings and activities or overnight respite. This transition will happen when both he and our family are comfortable and confident in the arrangement. Hours may increase over time.

Responsibilities

- Build a positive, trusting relationship through companionship and shared interests.
- Support practical life skills, daily routines, organization, decision-making, and independence.
- Provide individualized support with executive-functioning challenges, transitions, emotional regulation and behavioural needs.
- Use proactive, respectful strategies to respond to frustration, perceived rejection, and emotional dysregulation.




- Progress to supporting community outings and recreational activities as trust develops.
- Provide reliable supervision and respite, allowing family caregivers to take a break with confidence.
- Communicate and collaborate with family to maintain consistency in support.

Required Experience and Qualifications

- Hands-on experience supporting autistic individuals with significant ADHD-related needs.
- A practical understanding of RSD, emotional regulation, impulsivity and executive-functioning challenges.
- The ability to communicate effectively, remain calm during difficult moments, and adapt support to the individual.
- Strong judgment, reliability, patience and an understanding of safety and supervision.
- A qualification in Developmental Services, Autism and Behavioural Science, Social Service Work or a related field is an asset.

Mandatory Screening Requirements

- A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
- At least two references who can speak to your reliability, judgment, character and relevant experience.
- Valid driver's licence and car
- Must love dogs

To Apply

Please include a resume and brief description of your experience supporting autistic individuals with significant ADHD and behavioural or emotional-regulation needs. We would particularly like to hear how you build trusting relationships and respond when someone experiences frustration or perceived rejection.

Pay: $22.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 3.0 – 5.0 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Individualized Support Worker (Kitchener)
🏢 Melissa F
📍 Kitchener