Title: Personal Support Worker (PSW), Home Support - Full-time
Description:
Requisition Details:
- Employment Status: Regular, Full Time (1.0 FTE)
- Program Name: Home Support
- Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75
- Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
- Union/Bargaining Unit: SEIU
- On Call: No
- 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 wellbeing. 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 client and family care plan to determine if any need for change in the personal support care plan is 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 necessitating a change in the personal support care plan.
- Performs personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the client and family.
- Provides personal care as directed by the Personal Support Program Manager or immediate supervisor.
- Provides simple bedside care, where 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 for family relief.
- Organizes each day's activities, setting priorities for personal support and other activities.
- Completes daily call checks, and other forms as required.
- 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's or family's homemaking, physical, and emotional needs.
- 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.
External and Internal Relationships:
Engages frequently with the immediate supervisor or the Personal Support Program Manager on any needed changes to client plans and other relevant information.
Education, Designations and Experience:
- High school diploma.
- Secondary school education is 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 being performed.
- 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.
- The 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.
- The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.
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.