Respite Support Aide
Bright Star Respite
Application Deadline
August 5, 2026
About the Role
The Respite Support Aide provides direct, in-home and community-based support to children under the age of 6 living in Northwest Calgary who have ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and/or Global Developmental Delay (GDD). This role works closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to implement individualized support strategies and create engaging, brain-stimulating, and sensory-rich experiences for the children you support.
You will use a company van to bring children out into the community — to indoor playgrounds, the zoo, libraries, and other Calgary attractions — helping each child build skills, confidence, and joy through active, hands-on, low-screen play.
Who We're Looking For
- Is genuinely passionate about working with young children with diverse developmental needs, including ADHD, ASD, FASD, Down Syndrome, and GDD
- Loves creating and leading sensory activities and brain-stimulating play
- Enjoys spending time outdoors and being active alongside young children
- Champions less screen time in favour of movement, play, and hands-on exploration
- Has extensive knowledge of indoor playgrounds, the zoo, libraries, and community activities across Calgary, particularly the Northwest
- Is comfortable and confident driving a company van with children in the community
- Brings patience, creativity, and a calm, consistent presence to every interaction
- Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and multidisciplinary teams
- Is flexible, dependable, and comfortable working independently in home and community settings
Requirements
Key Responsibilities
Direct Child Support
- Provide trauma-informed, individualized support to children under 6 with ADHD, ASD, FASD, Down Syndrome, and/or GDD in home and community settings
- Plan and lead sensory activities and brain-stimulating play tailored to each child's developmental needs
- Support skill-building in communication, self-regulation, social participation, and daily living routines
- Promote less screen time by encouraging active, outdoor, and imaginative play
- Transport children safely using a company van to community destinations such as indoor playgrounds, the zoo, and libraries
- Use de-escalation and behaviour support strategies to help children navigate challenging moments
Family & Community Collaboration
- Build respectful, trust-based relationships with families, caregivers, and natural supports
- Liaise with caseworkers, FSCD coordinators, and community service providers
- Support families in accessing and navigating services and community resources
- Advocate for each child's full and meaningful participation in community life
Documentation & Planning
- Complete accurate and timely documentation including progress notes, daily logs, and incident reports
- Write and regularly update individualized safety plans in collaboration with the team and families
- Attend staff meetings, case conferences, and professional development sessions
- Participate in ongoing training related to child development and diverse-needs support
Qualifications & Education
Required Education (one of the following)
- Certificate or Diploma as a Community Support Worker
- Certificate or Diploma as a Disability Support Worker
- Certificate or Diploma as a Child & Youth Worker (CYCW)
- Certificate or Diploma as a Health Care Aide (HCA)
- Certificate or Diploma as an Educational Assistant
Required Experience
- Demonstrated experience supporting young children with ADHD, ASD, FASD, Down Syndrome, and/or Global Developmental Delay
- Experience creating and delivering sensory and brain-stimulating activities for children
- Experience working with or alongside FSCD, CFS, or multidisciplinary support teams considered a strong asset
Required Certifications & Clearances
- CPR First Aid Level C (current)
- Police Information Check (completed within the last 6 months)
- Child Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months)
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence
- Clear 3-year driver's abstract
- Comfortable and willing to drive a company van with children in the community
Assets (not Required, But Valued)
- Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent
- Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other developmental-needs frameworks
- Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures and communities
- Familiarity with FSCD and CARF standards, policies, and procedures
Supporting Documentation Required
Mandatory Requirements
All of the following must be in place before your start date. Failure to provide valid documentation will affect your ability to begin employment:
- CPR First Aid Level C
- Police Information Check (completed within 6 months)
- Child Intervention Record Check (completed within 6 months)
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract
- Comfortable driving a company van with children in the community
- Certificate or Diploma as a Community Support Worker, Disability Support Worker, Child & Youth Worker, Health Care Aide, or Educational Assistant
Job Type
Temporary Full-Time — until March 2027
Salary
$23.55 – $26.78 per hour
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Company van provided for community outings — valid Class 5 license required
Application Question(s)
What We Offer?
A meaningful, full-time temporary role making a real difference in the lives of young children and their families
Alberta Blue Cross extended health benefits (following 90-day probation)
A supportive, values-driven team culture at a CARF-accredited organization that truly cares
Use of a company van for community outings
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
A warm, collaborative team committed to the children and families we serve
How to Apply?
We'd love to learn more about you! Please send your resume and a cover letter telling us about your passion for working with young children with diverse developmental needs, and what draws you to this role.
Applications Can Be Submitted To
Please include "Respite Support Aide – Northwest Calgary – Posting #YYC07232026-07-RSA" in your subject line.
Language
English
License/Certification
CPR First Aid Level C
Police Information Check (completed within 6 months)
Child Intervention Record Check (completed within 6 months)
Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract
Certificate or Diploma as a Community Support Worker, Disability Support Worker, Child & Youth Worker, Health Care Aide, or Educational Assistant
Work Location
Northwest Calgary, Alberta
Application Deadline
August 5, 2026
Expected Start Date
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