Personal Support Worker

The Salvation Army in Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking a Personal Support Worker to provide compassionate, individualized care to clients according to care plans and safety standards. You will assist with daily living activities, hygiene, meals, mobility, and documentation, contributing to a respectful and dignified living environment.

Reporting to ministry unit leadership, you will work in indoor settings, may require shift work, weekends and holidays, and must meet education requirements (Grade 12 and PSW

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent plus certification as a Personal Support Workers through a recognized College or educational institution (or other provincial requirements).

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility in accordance with individual care plans and organizational policies.
• Serve meals, assist with feeding, when necessary, monitor dietary restrictions, and accurately document food and fluid intake.
• Use proper body mechanics and mechanical aids (e.g., lifts, wheelchairs) to assist clients with transfers, ambulation, and positioning to ensure safety and comfort.
• Monitor clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive conditions; promptly report changes to registered staff and document observations accurately.
• Follow all infection prevention protocols and health and safety regulations to maintain a clean, safe, and respectful care environment.
• Encourage and support participation in scheduled activities and social interactions to promote clients’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Complete incident reports, update care records, and ensure compliance with privacy and documentation standards as directed.
• Act swiftly and professionally in emergency situations, applying First Aid or crisis response training as required.
• Communicate empathetically with clients and families, maintaining respectful, professional boundaries while supporting individualized care.
• Assist with laundry, bed changes, and maintenance of personal belongings to ensure a tidy and dignified living space for clients.
• Maintain respectful and ethical relationships with clients, colleagues, in accordance with The Salvation Army policies and professional standards.

Skills

Active listening

Empathy

Teamwork

Communication

Detail oriented

Education

Grade 12 + PSW certification

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY: This role provides excellent personal care to clients according to the established client care plan including all components of activities of daily living and supporting participation in recreational and therapeutic activities. The role contributes to the broader mission and values of The Salvation Army, upholding standards of service that reflect its spiritual and social commitment to the community.

Accountabilities

• Assist clients with hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility in accordance with individual care plans and organizational policies.
• Serve meals, assist with feeding, when necessary, monitor dietary restrictions, and accurately document food and fluid intake.
• Use proper body mechanics and mechanical aids (e.g., lifts, wheelchairs) to assist clients with transfers, ambulation, and positioning to ensure safety and comfort.
• Monitor clients' physical, emotional, and cognitive conditions; promptly report changes to registered staff and document observations accurately.
• Follow all infection prevention protocols and health and safety regulations to maintain a clean, safe, and respectful care environment.
• Encourage and support participation in scheduled activities and social interactions to promote clients’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Complete incident reports, update care records, and ensure compliance with privacy and documentation standards as directed.
• Act swiftly and professionally in emergency situations, applying First Aid or crisis response training as required.
• Communicate empathetically with clients and families, maintaining respectful, professional boundaries while supporting individualized care.
• Assist with laundry, bed changes, and maintenance of personal belongings to ensure a tidy and dignified living space for clients.
• Maintain respectful and ethical relationships with clients, colleagues, in accordance with The Salvation Army policies and professional standards.
• Represent the organization in a respectful and professional manner, reflecting the mission and values of The Salvation Army.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Critical Relationship Management

Internal: Ministry Unit leadership, staff, and volunteers.

External: guests/clients of ministry unit in person.

Financial And Materials Management

• May be involved in minor financial transactions on a regular or relief basis and is expected to exercise sound judgment in the use of organizational and personal resources.
• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash, including disbursements and collections.
• May have access to confidential and sensitive information and is expected to maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed indoors within a ministry unit or facility.
• The role requires standing, walking, bending, and lifting of items up to 30 lbs.
• The incumbent may interact with individuals displaying challenging behaviours.
• This role may require shift work, work over weekends, statutory holidays and extended hours.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications And Certifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent plus certification as a Personal Support Workers through a recognized College or educational institution (or other provincial requirements).

Experience And Knowledge Requirements

• At least 2 years of related experience is a minimum requirement for this role.
• An alternative level or combination of education and experience may be acceptable.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Skills And Capabilities

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to offer care in a respectful manner, to assess and report changes in physical and emotional well-being.
• Adaptability to change and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and take the initiative.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to follow detailed instructions accurately.
• Display initiative in identifying and completing work to be done.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional ethics, with a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Demonstrated attention to detail with good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated patience, understanding, and professionalism in all interactions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and the ability to work effectively with staff, clients, families, volunteers, and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Disclaimer

This job profile is a generic, territory-wide representation of the job class and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not replace or supersede the official job description as defined in the applicable collective agreement. For specific duties, responsibilities, and terms of employment, please refer to the collectively bargained job description.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $29.06 to $29.39 with a maximum of $29.71.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.