OCL Staff Qualifications for People with Developmental Disabilities

Direct Support Professionals

OCL Lifeskills Instructors are hired through a process overseen by our Human Resources Department. All Lifeskills Instructors must have clear criminal reference checks, and receive training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR, along with other training pertinent to the needs of those they serve. All interviews contain a teaching component so that their creativity and personal interaction can be assessed. Instructors are strongly encouraged to have Sign Language, PECS and Bliss qualifications in order to best meet the needs of our participants.

We have over 250 employees of which 90% are frontline staff.

This deep pool of employees allows us to support adults with developmental disabilities, Transitioned Age Youth and Indigenous people in our supported independent living program at various locations around the city. Our staff are First Aid/CPR certified and are trained in Crisis Intervention.

OCL has an ongoing training regime: Medications, Positive Behavioural Supports and Safe Lifting of Residents. Certification and training are also undertaken to meet the individuals’ specific needs: Diabetes, J/G – Tube Feeding and other Controlled Acts.