Relief Personal Support Worker

Government of Northwest Territories; Norman Wells; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Northwest Territories is seeking a Personal Support Worker in Norman Wells, NT. The role requires assisting residents in long-term care homes or extended care units, following directions from Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses. Ideal candidates will have a Personal Support Worker certification or equivalent experience. Responsibilities include providing personal care, operating medical equipment, and working flexible hours. Knowledge of dementia care and an ability to communicate effectively in English are essential for this position.

Qualifications

• Completion of Personal Support Worker Certification or equivalent experience with care.
• Knowledge of universal precautions and personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist residents with transfers and personal care.
• Follow care direction from nursing staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and cultural sensitivity.

Skills

Knowledge of dementia and support

Ability to speak, read and write English

Ability to assist with personal hygiene

Operating basic medical equipment

Ability to work flexible hours

Education

Personal Support Worker Certification

1 year of care experience

Job description

Department: Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority

This job opening is limited to residents living within 50 kilometres of Norman Wells NT.

Department Information

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada’s North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Challenging work, welcoming communities, and expanded opportunities are some of the benefits offered to employees of the NTHSSA.

Job Information

The incumbent’s position may be in a Long Term Care home and/or the Extended Care Unit (ECU). The Personal Support Worker is part of the care team of the long term care home, and extended care unit and takes direction from and reports to the Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Level of Knowledge equivalent to that acquired through the Personal Support Worker certificate program offered at Aurora College;
• Current CPR and Standard First Aid certificate;
• Basic computer knowledge, i.e. computer charting and email;
• Ability to operate basic medical equipment required to assess residents' health status/condition (i.e., thermometer, stethoscope, blood pressure machine, blood glucose (sugar) monitor, LTC beds, etc.);
• Knowledge of universal precautions and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE);
• Knowledge of body mechanics;
• Must be able to assist residents with transfers and be knowledgeable on the use of transfer belts, mechanical lifts, and one or two-person assisted transfers;
• Knowledge of different consistencies of liquid and diets (i.e., nectar-thick liquid, honey thick liquid, mechanical soft diet, puree diet, etc.) and the consequences of a resident not receiving the appropriate liquid/diet textures;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and set priorities for care as necessary;
• Knowledge of the healthy aging process;
• Knowledge of dementia and how to support individuals living with dementia;
• Ability to provide assistance with or complete personal hygiene, grooming and dressing;
• Ability to speak, read and write English (this includes an ability to follow verbal and written instruction and interpret health information accurately);
• Ability to work flexible hours, i.e., evenings, nights, and/or weekends;
• The incumbent must be aware of the importance of confidentiality;
• Knowledge of the importance of traditional healing and community cultural practices;
• The ability to speak the Indigenous language of the community is an asset.
• Ability to commit to actively upholding and consistently practicing personal diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness, as well as safety and sensitivity approaches in the workplace.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by: The successful completion of a Personal Support Worker or equivalent Certification Program; or if no certification, must have at least 1 year of work experience with a minimum of 1000 hours providing care in a long term care or home and community care setting and be able to complete the PSW course within 5 years of hire. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.