Requisition Details:
Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: Adult Day and Overnight Respite Program
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends
Union/Bargaining Unit: OPSEU
On-Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position
Job Summary:
The Personal/Home Support Worker provides personal support and homemaking services to clients and families within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards. The PSW/HSW collaborates with members of the health care team in meeting the needs of clients to attain an optimal level of independence and wellbeing.
This position is eligible for the $3.00 per hour wage enhancement from the Ontario Government for all hours spent directly caring for clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Observes and evaluates the client’s or family's home, personal situation and care plan to determine if any changes are needed, and advises the supervisor accordingly.
- Contributes to the development of the personal support care plan under the guidance of the Personal Support Program Manager, based on information from the funder, manager, and client or family.
- Implements changes to the care plan for safety, liability, and financial reasons, under the guidance of the Manager.
- Reports any changes in the client’s or family's needs or home situation requiring a change in the care plan to the supervisor or manager.
- Performs personal support tasks such as light cleaning, meal preparation, clothing care, shopping, and household safety monitoring, reflecting the needs of the client and family.
- Provides personal care as directed, including assistance with walking, stairs, bed mobility, eating, dressing, and hygiene.
- Provides bedside care under the direction of a nurse, when required.
- Provides respite care to clients as needed.
- Supports families by providing child care to allow for family relief.
- Organizes daily activities, setting priorities for support and other activities under supervision.
- Completes daily call checks and other forms to ensure effective operations.
- Assesses communication patterns and ability to relate of clients.
- Communicates with the health team regarding client needs and informs supervisors of any concerns.
- Complies with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and VON policies.
- Follows risk management policies to promote client safety.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
External and Internal Relationships:
- Engages with supervisors and the Personal Support Program Manager regarding client plans and relevant information.
Education, Designations and Experience:
- High school diploma; secondary education preferred.
- CCA Certification required in Nova Scotia.
- Certificate in Home Support Worker (Level I, II, III), Personal Support Worker program, or Healthcare Aide.
- Current Standard First Aid or CPR Level C certification, if applicable.
- Experience with household management and working with elderly, ill individuals, or children.
Skill Requirements:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Effective communication with clients and families demonstrating respect and empathy.
- Good assessment skills.
- Knowledge of community resources.
- Ability to work independently or in a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to follow directions and adapt to various social and economic environments.
- Respect for confidentiality.
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle, with a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check; Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
- Availability to work flexible hours.
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
This role involves physical activity such as lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and kneeling, emphasizing proper body mechanics. Tasks include walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and fine hand movements.
Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants):
If applying to a unionized position as a member of the bargaining unit, the posting may remain open beyond the deadline if there are insufficient applicants. The posting may close at the employer’s discretion or after a specified period per the collective agreement, with each period treated as a separate posting for seniority considerations.