Home Care Worker

John Howard Society of Okanagan & Kootenay; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health organization in Kelowna is seeking a Home Care Worker to support clients with personal hygiene and daily living activities. This role requires a diploma in a related field and experience in health or community care. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and a passion for person-centered care. Benefits include competitive wages starting at $25/hr, professional development, and extended health benefits.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Extended health and dental benefits

RRSP matching

3 weeks vacation

Qualifications

• 1 to 3 years of experience in home health or community care.
• Strong passion for person-centered care.
• Ability to work independently and self-motivate.
• Knowledge of best practices for served populations.

Responsibilities

• Support residents with personal hygiene.
• Assist with light housekeeping tasks.
• Monitor changes in residents' behaviour or condition.
• Offer medication reminders and document client care.

Skills

Person-centered care

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Experience with seniors

Education

Diploma or degree in Health Care Aide or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Case management software

Job description

About the Position

The Home Care Worker is an integral member of Health Care Services team of JHSOK and serves to deepen the standard of care by delivering permanent or temporary home care support services to clients with diverse needs related to age, illness, or injury. Responsibilities of this role include assistance with dressing, bathing, housekeeping, and laundry, as well as monitoring and reporting client progress or decline in physical or cognitive functioning. The Home Care Worker plays a critical role in supporting clients in managing and maintaining their overall health to live successfully in supportive housing or shelter settings.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support residents with personal hygiene, including grooming, bathing, toileting, continence care, oral care, and dressing.
• Assist with light housekeeping tasks (laundry, dishes, sweeping, mopping) to promote safety and quality of life at home.
• Monitor residents’ ability to live safely and observe/report changes in behaviour or condition.
• Communicate and document care issues, progress, incidents, and updates to the Health Care Manager and housing staff (as appropriate).
• Follow infection control and safety protocols, including universal precautions and proper transfer techniques.
• Respect clients\' goals and choices, collaborate on life skills support, and participate in client-focused activities.
• Provide minor wound care, recognize and respond to health emergencies, and administer Naloxone if needed.
• Offer medication reminders and maintain accurate, timely records for client care and statistical reporting.
• Promote a safe environment by responding to safety concerns, implementing protocols, and modelling healthy practices.

• Completion of a diploma or degree in Health Care Aide, Health Care Assistant, Supportive Care Assistant, Human Service Work, or equivalent education and experience.
• One to three years of experience in home health or community care, especially working with seniors, individuals experiencing cognitive or physical decline, substance use, or mental health challenges.
• Ability and willingness to learn and use computer platforms, including case management software and Microsoft Office.
• Strong passion for person-centered, hands-on care and a solid understanding of trauma-informed personal care approaches.
• Demonstrated skills in client intervention within home care and health-related goals.
• Excellent engagement and rapport-building skills for diverse populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including tactful interaction.
• Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and uphold personal accountability.
• Experience with end-of-life care is an asset.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, boundaries, and confidentiality at all times.
• Knowledge of best practices for populations served by JHSOK is an asset.
• Physically able to perform tasks such as frequent bending, lifting, and walking.
• Willingness to work with clients with varying needs, including cognitive decline and communicable diseases (e.g., COVID, flu), while following safety protocols.
• Must be comfortable working in clients’ homes, including suites with pets (cats, dogs).

Conditions of Hire

• Must be able to clear Criminal Record Check for Vulnerable Sector.
• Valid First Aid with CPR.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, applicable liability insurance, and access to vehicle for work purposes.
• Completion of HSABC Training modules for Introduction to Homelessness Sector within first 30-days of hire.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to become a part of a purpose-driven organization and have a positive impact on lives of vulnerable adults we serve.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Competitive wages within the sector (starting at $25/hr based on experience).
• Extended health and dental benefits for full-time employees.
• RRSP matching for full-time employees.
• 3 weeks vacation and additional personal time off with pay.