Personal Support Worker (PSW), Home Support - Full-time

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

Job summary

A community care provider in Ontario is seeking a Personal Support Worker to deliver personal support and homemaking services to clients. This role involves assisting with daily activities such as personal care, providing support to families, and collaborating with healthcare teams to promote optimal independence. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills and relevant certifications, and must be able to work flexible hours. This position includes physical demands and requires a current driver's license.

Qualifications

• Must have CCA Certification in Nova Scotia.
• Some household management experience required.
• Experience working with elderly, ill individuals or children.

Responsibilities

• Provides personal care including mobility assistance, hygiene, and meal preparation.
• Observes and evaluates the client’s home situation.
• Implements and adjusts care plans under supervision.

Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Good assessment skills

Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team

Ability to adapt to different environments

Maintaining confidentiality

Education

High school diploma

Certificate in Home Support Worker

Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR level C

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 to attain an optimal level of independence and well‑being. This position is eligible for the temporary $3.18 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 changes are needed; advises supervisor accordingly.
• Contributes to the development of the personal support care plan under the direction of the Personal Support Program Manager. The written care plan is completed with information 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 changes in the client’s or family’s needs to the immediate supervisor or Personal Support Program Manager.
• Performs personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the client and family (e.g., light cleaning, meal preparation, clothing care, shopping, and maintaining household safety).
• Provides personal care as directed, including assistance with mobility, getting in/out of bed, eating, dressing, and other personal hygiene.
• Provides simple bedside care under the direction of a nurse and respite care to clients as required.
• Supports clients’ families by providing child care as required to allow for family relief.
• Organizes each day’s activities, setting priorities for personal support and other activities under the direction of the Program Manager or supervisor.
• Completes daily call checks and other required forms to maintain effective operation of the service.
• Assesses the client’s communication patterns and ability to relate.
• Communicates with appropriate health team members regarding managing homemaking, physical, and emotional needs; informs supervisor or Manager of changes or concerns.
• Works in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, VON policies, and risk management guidelines to promote client safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Common Responsibilities

• Promotes the goals and values of VON as an integrated community care provider.
• Maintains a safe and healthy workplace in line with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and VON policies.
• Adheres to all VON policies, confidentiality, and protection of personal information policies.
• Works collaboratively with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

External and Internal Relationships

• Engages with the immediate supervisor or Personal Support Program Manager on changes to client plans and other relevant information.

Education, Designations and Experience

• High school diploma (secondary school education preferred).
• CCA Certification is required in Nova Scotia.
• Must have 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 performed.
• Some household management experience and experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children.

Skill Requirements

• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate with clients and families with respect, empathy, and understanding.
• Good assessment skills and awareness of community resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently as required.
• Ability to take direction, adapt to different social and economic environments, and maintain confidentiality.

Other Requirements

• Must have access to a personal vehicle and possess a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Current satisfactory Criminal Records Check; 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 with proper technique, bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements. You will walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day; some tasks require fine hand movements.

Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants): If you are applying to a unionized position and you are a member of its bargaining unit, this posting may remain open beyond the deadline if there are not enough applicants. If the posting remains open after the initial deadline, VON may close the posting at its discretion or a rolling deadline equivalent to the posting period specified in your Collective Agreement will be deemed, with each successive period treated as a separate posting for purposes of seniority among candidates.