Join our Team – Employment Opportunities

At DASC, we look for staff who are passionate about what they do, people who believe in supporting and enriching the lives of those we serve. People who believe in social inclusion. People who enjoy being part of a team, and making a difference in the lives of those they support. Interested in learning more? 
Please see our available opportunities!
We are currently hiring for the following positions:

Direct Support Professional – Casual Opportunities

Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) has been serving the Dartmouth community for more than 50 years. DASC is a non-profit vocational day program and business centre supporting adults with an intellectual disability; dual diagnosis and/or fragile health and complex needs. We provide a variety of programs to suit each individual, including Vocational, Prevocational, Active Lifestyles, Recreation and Leisure Clubs, Community Employment, Youth, and Individual Support programs. We support the social, community, and economic inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Our Mission

Being, Belonging, Becoming

Through person-directed services and support we ensure that clients are comfortable, confident and empowered.

We create opportunities for clients to interact with others, build supportive relationships, and play a full part in their community.

We provide opportunities for clients to participate in rewarding work and learning and in so help them to achieve their personal goals, hopes and aspirations.

Who we are looking for

DASC is currently looking for Direct Support Professionals on a casual basis! Are you an energetic, enthusiastic individual who enjoys new challenges? Do you have a passion for working with people and helping others? If so – this may be the opportunity for you!

Under the direction of the Program Supervisor(s), Direct Support Professionals function as part of a program team providing for the care and development of DASC clients in accordance with DASC’s Principles and Philosophies, Policies and Procedures, Rules of Work, and established guidelines. Excellent communication, time management, the ability to multi-task and organizational skills are essential due to the nature of our client, program and production needs. A positive attitude and ability to get along well with others is a must!

Our Ideal Candidate

As our ideal candidate, we are looking for:

Experience and Educational Requirements

  • Relevant University Degree/NSCC Residential-Vocational Program
  • Experience working with individuals with an intellectual disability
  • Seven Provincial Core Competencies
  • Experience with Individual Program Planning and Behaviour Management an asset
  • Current and Valid Criminal Record Check; Vulnerable Persons Check; proof of Covid-19 Vaccination

Essential Skills

  • Ability to relate positively with individuals who have an intellectual disability
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently in a positive team focused environment
  • Ability to perform the physical responsibilities of the job

If interested in a casual position, please submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources (hr@dasc-ns.ca) quoting Direct Support Professional – Casual in the subject line.

Dartmouth Adult Services Centre is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity and invites applications from Women, Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and members of Visible Minorities.

DASC is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to this employment opportunity, please advise the Human Resource Manager of any accommodations you require to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Supported Employment Specialist

Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) has been serving the Dartmouth community for nearly 60 years. DASC is a non-profit day program and business centre supporting adults with an intellectual disability; dual diagnosis and/or fragile health and complex needs. We provide a variety of programs to suit each individual, including paid employment opportunities, Active Lifestyles, Recreation and Leisure Clubs, Supported Employment, Youth, and Individual Support programs. Learn more about us at www.dasc-ns.ca!

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become self-advocates through program and employment opportunities.  We envision a barrier-free community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through person-directed services and support, we ensure that participants are comfortable, confident, and empowered. We ensure they have voice and choice in how DASC programs are developed and delivered. We create opportunities for participants to interact with others, build supportive relationships, and play a full part in their community. We provide opportunities for participants to participate in paid employment, healthy living, recreation and learning activities, and to help them achieve their goals, hopes, and aspirations.

The Opportunity

DASC is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic individual to join our Employment Support team.  The Employment Support team provides access to employment opportunities and the support required to ensure the continued and future success of our participants.   Reporting to the Supported Employment Supervisor, the Supported Employment Specialist provides job development, job readiness, life skills and on-site training and support to participants within the program. As an ambassador for community inclusion, your position will also involve education sessions with employers on inclusivity in the workplace, attendance at job-fairs and regular communication with employers in the community to secure employment opportunities for those we support.

This successful candidate will require excellent time management skills and must be able to work well independently as well as part of a team. Strong communication skills – both written and verbal – are required due to regular communication with participants and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will be responsible for building strong relationships with business partners in the community and advocating for employment opportunities for the people we support.

This position will provide support to participants in a variety of employment locations and in varying conditions which may include indoor and outdoor spaces. Being able to lift upwards of 50 pounds on occasion is a requirement of the position as is physical activity such as standing, walking, lifting, bending,  

Our Supported Employment team is also responsible for supporting and managing the DASC Home Services program, providing basic lawn care services to customers.  This can be physically demanding at times as the use of a lawn mower, whipper snipper, and training participants to use this equipment safely will be a responsibility in the Spring and Summer and Fall months.

DASC is a fast-paced, diverse, inclusive, and ever-changing environment built around continuous learning, positivity, and inclusivity. Being a team player and having the ability to get along well with others is a must!

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

  • Relevant University degree/Human Services field
  • Minimum 3 years experience working with individuals with an intellectual disability
  • Knowledge of inclusive employment practices
  • Experience with Job Placement/Job Coaching/Employment Support
  • Seven Provincial Competencies as outlined by the NS Department of Opportunities and Social Development
  • Valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle necessary for work related duties and willingness to travel throughout the assigned work area
  • Current and Valid Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Persons Check and Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination
  • Ability to lift upwards of 50 pounds

What We Offer

At DASC, we have a dedicated team passionate about what they do. This translates into a happy and healthy work environment. This position is centrally located on Dorey Avenue in Burnside (Dartmouth), making it accessible from any part of the greater Halifax area. Hours of work are 8AM – 4PM, Monday to Friday, with free parking onsite. Due to the nature of this position, hours of work may be altered to ensure support can be provided to our clients.  We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package (including a Defined Contribution Pension Plan and Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Employee Assistance Programs).

If you’re interested in an exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume by end of day Friday May 16, 2025, to the Director of Programs quoting Supported Employment Specialist in the subject line. Please submit applications to manager@dasc-ns.ca.

DASC is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from equity groups who have been historically underrepresented.

DASC is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to this opportunity, please advise the Director of Programs of any accommodations needed during the interview process.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Direct Support Professional - 12 Month Term

Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) has been serving the Dartmouth community for nearly 60 years. DASC is a non-profit day program and business centre supporting adults with an intellectual disability; dual diagnosis and/or fragile health and complex needs. We provide a variety of programs to suit each individual, including paid employment opportunities, Active Lifestyles, Recreation and Leisure Clubs, Supported Employment, Youth, and Individual Support programs. Learn more about us at www.dasc-ns.ca!

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to become self-advocates through program and employment opportunities.  We envision a barrier-free community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through person-directed services and support, we ensure that participants are comfortable, confident, and empowered. We ensure they have voice and choice in how DASC programs are developed and delivered. We create opportunities for participants to interact with others, build supportive relationships, and play a full part in their community. We provide opportunities for participants to participate in paid employment, healthy living, recreation and learning activities, and to help them achieve their goals, hopes, and aspirations.

Who we are looking for

Reporting to the Program Supervisor, you will be part of a person-centred program team providing for the care and development of our participants in accordance with our principles, philosophies and operating procedures. You must have excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) when dealing with participants, teammates and members of our community and have the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships. Time management, the ability to multi-task and organizational skills are essential due to the nature of our participant, program, and production needs. Being able to be consistent but also flexible is also essential.  Your day will consist of supporting those we serve with regards to meaningful activities relating to social skills, life skills, and work-related skills therefore creativity is needed! A positive attitude and ability to get along well with others is a must!

What We Offer

At DASC, we have a dedicated team passionate about what they do. This translates into a happy and healthy work environment. Hours of work are 8AM – 4PM, Monday to Friday, with free parking on-site at all program locations. We believe in supporting our staff by providing in-house training opportunities to ensure we can support our participants to the best of our ability.

Our Ideal Candidate

As our ideal candidate, you must have:

  • Relevant University degree/NSCC Disability Supports and Services Program
  • Minimum 2 years experience working with individuals with an intellectual disability
  • Seven Provincial Core Competencies
  • Experience with Individual Program Planning and supporting positive behaviours
  • Ability to perform physical responsibilities of the job
  • Valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle necessary for work related duties and willingness to travel throughout the assigned work area;
  • Current and Valid Criminal Record Check; Vulnerable Persons Check;

If you’re interested in an exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume by 4 pm Friday, May 16th, 2025 to the Director of Programs quoting Term Direct Support Professional in the subject line. Please submit applications to manager@dasc-ns.ca.

DASC is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from equity groups who have been historically underrepresented.

DASC is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to this opportunity, please advise the Director of Programs of any accommodations needed during the interview process.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Canada Summer Jobs - Program Assistant – 8 Week Summer Opportunity!

DASC is hiring! We are happy to be part of the Canada Summer Jobs program once again and are now looking for someone between the ages of 15 and 30 to join our team for 8 weeks as a Program Assistant. If you are looking for a unique opportunity that will provide valuable insight into what a career in the field of Human Services would look like – then this is the opportunity for you!

What We Do

Dartmouth Adult Services Centre (DASC) has been serving the Dartmouth community for more than 50 years. DASC is a non-profit vocational day program and business centre supporting adults with an intellectual disability; dual diagnosis and/or fragile health and complex needs. We provide a variety of programs to suit each individual, including Vocational, Prevocational, Active Lifestyles, Recreation and Leisure Clubs, Community Employment, Youth, and Individual Support programs. We support the social, community, and economic inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities. Find out more about us at www.dasc-ns.ca!

The opportunity

Hours for this position are Monday to Friday, 8AM – 4PM, and will run for 8 weeks in duration. Reporting to our Program Supervisors, you will have the opportunity to be part of a person-centered program team providing care and support of the population we serve. You will shadow staff teams in each of our unique program spaces to get to know our participants and the day-to-day operations of DASC.  Responsible to assist our full-time staff with program creation and design which will provide opportunities to work directly with our participants with intellectual disabilities. Program activities will be in areas such as arts and crafts, music, recreation, and healthy living. Supporting participants in work-related skills and completing work-related tasks and training on production contracts. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to support our Home Services Nova Scotia team in training and supporting participants in lawn care activities such as raking and mowing.

If you are team player who is passionate about seeing others succeed, an excellent communicator, have excellent multi-tasking and organizational skills – then we want to hear from you!  

Please note that a current and valid Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Persons Check are required.

Eligibility: To meet Canada Summer Jobs’ funding requirements applicants must:                                                 

  • Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of employment
  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or have refugee protection conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
  • Have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with Nova Scotia legislation and regulations 

*International students are not eligible for this opportunity

If you are interested in this exciting summer opportunity, please forward your cover letter and resume by May 16, 2025 to the Director of Programs at hr@dasc-ns.ca Please quote Canada Summer Jobs in the subject line.

DASC is committed to Employment Equity and Diversity. We strongly encourage applications from equity groups who have been historically underrepresented.

DASC is also committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to this opportunity, please advise the Human Resource Manager of any accommodations needed during the interview process.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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