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For Direct Support Professionals, Educators, Family Members and Advocates
Professional Development Opportunities | Recruitment and Retention | Sector Resources | Events and More. Please share this newsletter with someone who would find this information of interest.
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Level Up! Shaping the Future of the Developmental Services Workforce | |
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) https://levelupontario.ca/ Level Up! is an important part of the ministry’s Skilled Trades Strategy designed to encourage more young people to pursue rewarding careers in the trades and also services. These events will reach up to 30,000 of Ontario’s youth with an opportunity for young people to be able to learn more about the skilled trades and services and connect with employers in a hands-on, experiential learning environment at 15 locations across the province. | |
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Level Up! Kitchener
September 19, 2024
Agencies Represented: KW Habilitation, Parents for Community Living, Karis Disability Services &
Extend-A-Family.
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This year, the organizers have committed a space for Developmental Services to be represented at each location which is a great opportunity! The DSWI has worked to produce materials and resources for a sector booth that will be staffed by service providers across the province, along with college partners to have a shared voice as a sector to promote Developmental Services as a career of choice to the next generation. We are thankful for all of the agencies who have stepped forward to take part in these fairs as an investment in the future of the sector. | |
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Level Up! Simcoe
September 17th, 2024
Agencies Represented: Empower Simcoe and Karis Disability Services
Empower Simcoe created an interactive activity to engage students during their fair. Students drew a question from a bowl, listened to the answer and then received a candy. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., they answered over 600 questions.
The students asked a variety of questions, such as: "What is a DSW?", "What do you like about your job?", "Do you need to cook?", "Do you need a driver's license?", "What is the difference between a PSW and a DSW?", and "What education is needed to become a DSW?"
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Level Up! Postcards
The DSWI Communications Committee created postcards with a QR code for students, directing them to a provincial network page with information on education pathways, career tools, and options in the DS field. An interactive brochure is also available for download.
https://provincialnetwork.ca/ds-workforce-initiative/your-opportunity/
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Don't Miss Out! Secure Your Spot at the PN HR Forum.
The Annual PN HR Forum is just around the corner, and spaces are filling up quickly! DS Professionals from across the province will be gathering at this highly regarded event, offering an invaluable opportunity for HR professionals, Senior Management, Communications experts, Direct Support Professionals, and Colleges to connect, share knowledge, and expand networks.
Join us on October 29th and 30th for two days packed with professional development, networking, and practical insights that you can bring back to your teams.
Take a look at the agenda to see what’s in store, and don’t wait—register now before spots run out! Deadline for registration is October 1st.
Event Details:
- Date: October 29th and 30th, 2024
- Location: Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre
- Cost $599
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Core Competency Committee Update | |
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The Core Competency Committee continues to facilitate monthly cafés on the Real Xchange. Our focus in September was Champing Change and Innovation, with four amazing people sharing their stories of how championing change looks in their roles. October will focus on Facilitating Growth and Development on October 16th.
The committee is looking forward to showcasing several different organizations at the DSHR Strategy conference at the end of October and sharing their experiences with implementing core competencies into their organizations. They will also share some exciting news about agency mentorship opportunities for the Core competencies through the Real Xchange at the conference.
The Core Competency Café is a limited series of events taking place virtually. Please Note: The Core Competency Café is open to anyone with an interest and includes those who are leading the implementation of the new Core Competencies within their agency, families who hire their own staff, and members of colleges. Everyone is welcome to participate and contribute in these sessions!
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Use the newly improved and easy-to-use marketing toolkit to make a splash with your next recruitment campaign and attract qualified, inspired candidates. | |
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The campaign was carefully designed with all levels of expertise in mind! The toolkit includes Canva templates formatted for all social media platforms.
It’s the same key messaging and values of the previous campaign, now with an upgraded colour palette and better user experience.
French Version Toolkit Coming Soon
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Engagement Opportunities
Real Xchange
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Wednesday, October 16th, 2024 - Core Competency Café - Spotlighting Facilitating Growth, and Development Competency Register here
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November 4 - 6th, 2024: Ontario Disability Employment Network's Rethinking Disabilities Conference Register Here
Fall Cultivating Community Wellness (CCW) Community of Practice (COP) Sessions
Hosted through the Real Xchange.
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Tuesday, October 15th, 2024, @ 10:00am: Supporting Return to Work after a mental health leave. Register here
- Tuesday, November 19th, 2024 @ 10:00am: Grief Support
- Tuesday, December 10th, 2024 at 10:00am: Preparing for the Winter Blues
Cultivating Community Wellness Community of Practice sessions provide an opportunity for leaders in mental health and wellness at DS agencies to come together and share ideas, insights and resources about critical topics related to health and wellness.
You can register for upcoming CCW community of practice sessions through the Real Xchange.
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