Requisition Details
Employment Status: Permanent, Full-time
Program Name: Home Support
Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75.00
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
On-Call: No
Existing Vacancy: Yes – we are 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 healthcare team to meet clients' needs, promoting independence and well-being.
This position is eligible for the temporary $3.00 per hour wage enhancement from the Ontario Government for all hours spent directly caring for clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Observe and evaluate clients' or families' home and personal situations, and care plans to determine if changes are needed, reporting to the supervisor accordingly.
- Contribute to developing the personal support care plan under the guidance of the Program Manager, based on information from the funder, manager, and client or family.
- Implement changes to the care plan as directed by the manager for safety, liability, and financial reasons.
- Report any changes in the client's or family's needs or home situation that may require adjustments to the care plan.
- Perform personal support tasks such as light cleaning, meal preparation, clothing care, shopping, and household safety monitoring, tailored to client and family needs.
- Provide personal care, including assistance with walking, stairs, bed transfers, eating, dressing, and hygiene, as directed.
- Assist with bedside care under the supervision of a nurse when required.
- Offer respite care to clients as needed and support families by providing childcare when necessary.
- Organize daily activities and prioritize tasks under supervision.
- Complete daily call checks and other documentation to ensure efficient service operation.
- Assess communication patterns and relational abilities of clients.
- Communicate with health team members regarding homemaking, physical, and emotional needs, and report concerns or changes to supervisors.
- Comply with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and VON policies.
- Follow risk management policies to promote client safety.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
External and Internal Relationships:
- Maintain frequent communication with the supervisor or 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 Health Care Aide.
- Current Standard First Aid or CPR Level C certificate, if applicable.
- Experience in 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, empathy, and understanding.
- Good assessment skills and awareness of community resources.
- Ability to work independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to follow directions and adapt to different social and economic environments.
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate respect, empathy, and understanding in communication.
Other Requirements:
- Must have access to a personal vehicle, 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 involve physical activity including lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements emphasizing good body mechanics. The role requires walking, sitting, standing, and climbing stairs throughout the day, with tasks requiring fine hand movements.