Personal Support Worker (PSW), Adult Day Program - Casual

VON Canada; Thames Centre; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community care provider is seeking a Personal Support Worker in Ontario to deliver personal support services to clients and their families. This role involves collaborating with healthcare teams to assess and meet client needs, executing care plans, and providing various types of personal care. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant certifications, along with strong communication skills and the ability to work flexibly and effectively in a team. A driver's license and vehicle access are essential.

Qualifications

• Must have a current Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR Level C Certificate, if applicable to the work being performed.
• Experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children is required.
• Detail-oriented approach and ability to lift and carry using proper techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provide personal support and homemaking services to clients and families.
• Collaborate with healthcare team members to meet clients' needs.
• Implement changes to care plans as directed by supervisors.
• Observe and evaluate clients' home and personal situations.
• Perform personal care tasks as required.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Good assessment skills

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

Awareness of community resources

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

High school diploma

Certificate in Home Support Worker

Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR Level C Certificate

Job description

Job Summary:

The Personal Support Worker provides personal support and homemaking services to clients and families within the framework of VON policies, procedures, and standards. The PSW collaborates with members of the health care team to meet the needs of clients, attaining an optimal level of independence and well‑being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Observes and evaluates the client or family’s home, personal situation, and care plan, determining if changes are required and whether needs have been met. Advises supervisor accordingly.
• Contributes to the development of the personal support care plan under the direction of the Personal Support Program Manager, completing the written Care Plan with information collected from the funder, the Manager, and the client or family.
• Implements changes to the care plan under the guidance of the Manager for safety, liability, and financial reasons.
• Reports verbally to the immediate supervisor or Program Manager any changes in the client or family’s personal support needs or home situation requiring a change in the care plan.
• Performs personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the client and family, including light cleaning, preparation of nutritious meals, care of clothes, shopping for the client as required, and monitoring and maintaining household safety.
• Provides personal care as directed by the Program Manager or supervisor, including assisting the client in walking, climbing or descending stairs, getting into and out of bed, eating, dressing, and other matters of personal hygiene.
• Provides simple bedside care when required under the direction of a nurse.
• Provides respite care to clients as required.
• Supports clients’ families by providing child care as required to allow family relief.
• Organizes each day’s activities, setting priorities for personal support and other activities under the direction of the Program Manager or an immediate supervisor.
• Completes daily call checks and other forms as required to maintain the effective and efficient operation of the personal and home support service.
• Assesses the client’s pattern of communication and ability to relate.
• Communicates with appropriate members of the health team regarding the management of the client or family’s homemaking, physical, and emotional needs and informs an immediate supervisor or Manager of any changes or concerns.
• Functions and reports in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and VON policies and procedures.
• Functions in accordance with VON’s risk management policies, procedures, practices and guidelines designed to promote and protect client safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Common Responsibilities:

• Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider.
• Promotes a safe and healthy workplace, ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices, and Procedures.
• Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
• Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations, and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role.
• Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Engages frequently with the immediate supervisor or the Program Manager on any needed changes to client plans and other relevant information.

Education, Designations, and Experience:

• High school diploma.
• CCA Certification is required in Nova Scotia.
• Certificate in Home Support Worker (Level I, II, III), Personal Support Worker program, or Health Care Aide.
• Must have a current Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR Level C Certificate, if applicable to the work being performed.
• Post Secondary degree or diploma is considered an asset.
• Some household management experience and experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children.

Skill Requirements:

• Strong communication skills, both verbally and written.
• Able to communicate effectively with clients and families in a clear and effective manner that demonstrates respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Good assessment skills.
• Awareness of community resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently as required.
• Able to take direction well.
• Ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments.
• Demonstrates respect, empathy, and understanding in all communications.
• Capacity to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Other:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or a Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• Available to work flexible hours.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

This role requires a detail‑oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.