Work with us

Do you have a passion for people, relationships, inclusion and belonging? Do you want to work towards a community that welcomes and accepts everyone? So do we!

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region (EAFWR) was founded on the values of working with people with disabilities to grow their social relationships and be seen and valued as full contributing citizens in our community.

If this sounds exciting to you, come join our dynamic team to help bring these values to life in our community.

We have a variety of employment and volunteer opportunities at EAFWR. Direct Support, Coordination and Facilitation opportunities, Leadership, Volunteering and Board roles, we are regularly seeking new people to help us live out our mission of building an inclusive community for everyone.

Accommodations

We will always ask if you need any accommodations.

Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring that everyone has equitable access to all opportunities within our organization. We will always ask if you need any accommodations throughout our hiring process so that you can bring your best self into your application.

Some accommodations we have built into standard practice are:

  • providing interview questions in advance
  • shifting interview dates to not overlap with dates of cultural significance
  • providing opportunity for flexible interview formats (virtual, in-person, etc.).

 

hiring work disability services

How would you like to work with us?

Organizational Positions

Organizational Positions are part-time and full-time roles that help guide the Coordination of programs and services, and administrative functions of EAFWR. These are typically salary-based roles with various additional employment benefits.

What are some of the perks of Organizational Positions at EAFWR?
  • Hybrid Work Schedule (role dependent)
  • Flexible hours outside of “core office hours” (in discussion with supervisor)
  • Enrollment in base benefit package including Extended Healthcare and Healthcare Spending Account
  • RRSP plan participation and employer matching after 2 years of service.  
  • Start at 3 weeks vacation (increasing with years of service) 
  • A work culture that enjoys building community over food (staff meeting potlucks and the occasional catered lunch)
  • Statutory Holiday Substitution
  • Wellness Program
  • Annual training fund for professional development
  • Educational fund for additional qualifications
  • Annual team building day and semi annual staff service days. 
  • Opportunities to guide the organization through involvement in committee work (i.e. Strategic Plan working group, EDIB, DSP committee, etc.) 
  • Free parking and more!

Facilitators

Facilitators provide 1:1 and group support and services to people across our community. Facilitators run our WALES group, provide direct support to people in FamilyHome and Supported Independent Living and Community Participation Services, they also facilitate Teen Hangout Groups, Open Space and many other opportunities that promote independence and building relationships and connections. 

Coordinator Teams

The Coordinator teams support Children, Youth and Adults through a variety of programs. Coordinators work with individuals and families through a case management style of service delivery. Coordinators help manage budgets, plan and coordinate community supports, and supervise Direct Support people in the delivery of 1:1 community based support services. 

Community Engagement

The Community Engagement Team is responsible for media and marketing, events, fundraising and grant support to all programs and services. This team ensures all of our events and promotions look and sound like EAFWR, and the values we hold, in all that we do. 

Community Development

As an integral member in our local community, the Community Development team seeks and creates opportunities to build relationships between Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region, our local neighbourhood, and Waterloo Region as a whole. From waitlist support groups, to Neighbours Day, and the Kitchener-Waterloo Library of Things, Community Development helps facilitate grassroot and community connections for neighbours and those supported by our organization.

Human Resources

The Human Resources Team is tasked with overseeing the recruitment, screening, training and ongoing oversight of employees and volunteers, to ensure everyone has what they need to perform their role to the fullest. 

Administration

The Administration team is integral to the daily workings of EAFWR. From the first person you meet when you walk into the office, to payroll, IT, and program specialists with Ministry services, this team ensures all of our ducks are in a row, and all of our “i’s” are dotted and our “t’s” are crossed. 

Leadership

Last, and definitely not least, is our Director Team. This team of Directors (including our Executive Director) oversees all operations of EAFWR. What sets our Directors apart is that they are approachable and dedicated to the service of the people we serve, and to our employees. The Leadership Team as a whole, holds the value of building an “employee driven” culture, where everyone is valued for their input, ideas, and initiative. 

Direct Support Opportunities

Direct Support Opportunities are part-time and casual roles that provide Direct Support services to children, youth and adults in our community. These opportunities are built around “matches”, which are 1:1 intentional and supportive relationships between a person supported and a Direct Support person. Matches may range from 2-10 hours per week with an individual person. Direct Support People are able to work with multiple people to increase their hours. This work is generally community based, occurring outside of the home to engage in activities and opportunities around Waterloo Region.

Due to the mobile nature of Direct Support work across Waterloo Region, most families we support require a Direct Support Person who has a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle (owned, car share, etc).

Direct Support roles help people with disabilities access the community in person directed ways according to their interests, goals and needs. Direct Support People provide support in many of the following ways:

  • Independent Living – grocery shopping, baking, meal prep, learning new skills, etc.
  • Social Relationships – finding and connecting to social opportunities (i.e. knitting groups, sports and rec clubs, etc.)
  • Personal Care – while not all people require personal care, many do and benefit from the care and compassionate assistance for their needs such as eating, bathing, medication administration, getting dressed, and generally getting ready for the day.
What are some of the perks of Direct Support Positions at Extend-A-Family? 
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Work as much, or as little, as you want
  • Mileage and expense reimbursement
  • A variety of support opportunities (i.e. recreation, leisure, independent skill development, etc.)
  • Depending on the support required, the ability to say “I get paid to do this??” (i.e. one support person attending a Yoga class with the person they support)
  • And more!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities come in various forms at EAFWR. Visit our Volunteer page to learn more!