Requisition Details:
Employment Status: Permanent, Part-time (0.5 FTE) Program Name: Home Support
Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 37.5
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
Unions/Bargaining Unit: UFCW
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, standards. The PSW collaborates with members of the healthcare team to meet client needs, promoting independence and well-being.
This position is eligible for a $3.00 per hour wage enhancement from the Ontario Government for all hours spent directly caring for clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Observe and evaluate the client’s or family’s home, personal situation, and care plan to determine if changes are needed, and advise the supervisor accordingly.
- Contribute to the development of the personal support care plan under the guidance of the Program Manager, using information from the funder, manager, and client or family.
- Implement changes to the care plan for safety, liability, and financial reasons under the manager’s guidance.
- Report any changes in the client’s or family’s needs or home situation requiring a care plan update to the supervisor or Program Manager.
- Perform personal support tasks based on client and family needs, including light cleaning, meal preparation, clothing care, shopping, and household safety monitoring.
- Provide personal care as directed, including assistance with walking, stairs, bed transfers, eating, dressing, and hygiene.
- Provide bedside care under nurse supervision if required.
- Offer respite care to clients as needed.
- Support families by providing child care to enable family relief.
- Organize daily activities, setting priorities for personal support and other tasks under supervision.
- Complete daily call checks and other forms to ensure service efficiency.
- Assess communication and relational abilities of clients.
- Communicate with the healthcare team regarding client needs and report any concerns or changes.
- 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:
- Engage regularly 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 demonstrating respect, empathy, and understanding.
- Good assessment skills and awareness of community resources.
- Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
- Receptive to directions and adaptable to different social and economic environments.
- Maintain strict confidentiality.
Other Requirements:
- Access to a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
- Satisfactory Criminal Records Check; Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
- Availability for 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. Tasks include walking, sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and fine hand movements throughout the day.
Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants): If applying to a unionized position and a member of its bargaining unit, this posting may remain open beyond the deadline if not enough applicants are received. The posting may close at the employer’s discretion or after a rolling deadline as per the collective agreement, with subsequent periods treated as separate postings for seniority considerations.