Personal Support Worker (PSW) (DSW) (RPT 0.5)

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Permanent, Part-Time (0.5 FTE)
Program Name: Assisted Living Services for High-Risk Seniors
Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 37.5
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
Union/Bargaining Unit: OPSEU
On-Call: Yes

Existing Vacancy: Yes – we’re currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

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 in meeting the needs of clients to attain an optimal level of independence and well-being. 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 required and whether the client’s and family’s 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.
• 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 Personal Support Program Manager any changes in the client’s or family's personal support needs or home situation.
• Performs personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the client and family, including light cleaning, meal preparation, care of clothes, shopping, and monitoring household safety.
• Provides personal care as directed, including assisting the client in walking, getting in and out of bed, eating, dressing, and personal hygiene.
• Provides simple bedside care under the direction of a nurse.
• Provides respite care to clients as required.
• Supports clients’ families by providing childcare to allow for family relief.
• Organizes daily activities, setting priorities for personal support and other activities.
• Completes daily call checks and other forms as required.
• Assesses the client's communication patterns and ability to relate.
• Communicates with appropriate members of the health team regarding the management of the client's or family's needs.
• Functions and reports in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation and VON policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Engages frequently with the immediate supervisor or the Personal Support Program Manager on needed changes to client plans.

Education, Designations and Experience:

• High school diploma; secondary school education preferred.
• CCA Certification required in Nova Scotia.
• Personal Support Worker program or Health Care Aide.
• Current Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR level C Certificate, if applicable.
• Experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children.

Skill Requirements:

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Able to communicate effectively with clients and families.
• Good assessment skills.
• Awareness of community resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently.
• Able to take direction well.
• Ability to adjust to different social and economic environments.
• Capacity to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Other:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and possess a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• A satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required.
• 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).

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Attention to detail; ability to lift and carry using appropriate techniques; bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch; walk, sit, stand, climb stairs; hand movements.