Resident Care Assistant - Niagara

RhynoCare; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Niagara Region is seeking a Resident Care Assistant to observe and support patients, engage them in meaningful activities, and assist with daily living tasks. Ideal candidates have experience in patient care and relevant certifications. Join our team in providing safe and compassionate care in a fulfilling role.

Qualifications

• One year of recent experience in patient care settings.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification.

Responsibilities

• Observe assigned patients to ensure safety.
• Provide compassionate supervision for residents.
• Complete documentation for patient observations.

Skills

Patient-focused care

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Education

Grade 11 or equivalent education

PSW certificate from an accredited program

Completion of an accredited Nursing program

Job description

The Resident Care Assistant is an unregulated healthcare provider primarily responsible for closely observing patients whose behaviors pose a risk to their safety or the safety of others. Passionate about person-centered care, the observer engages in restorative care and assists with activities of daily living for the patients/residents they observe.

Working under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional, such as the Unit's Patient Care Manager or their designate, the Resident Care Assistant may care for elderly patients with dementia or young patients who have experienced traumatic injuries, including those involved in motor vehicle collisions, assaults, falls, or who have attempted self-harm or have physical disfigurements.

Summary of Duties

• Observe assigned patients to support a safe and caring environment.
• Ensure safety during violent outbursts of residents.
• Provide 1:1 compassionate supervision for residents with conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer's, Frontal Brain Injury, Schizophrenia, Stroke, etc.
• Supervise residents at risk of elopement or suicide, and protect staff and residents from uncontrolled behaviors.
• Engage residents in meaningful 1:1 activities like reading, photo browsing, or storytelling.
• Stay within close proximity to residents during supervision, including during activities and transitions.
• Complete documentation such as Dementia Observations Scale (DOS) and Behaviour Assessment Record (BAR) charting hourly.
• Immediately notify a registered health professional if a patient is in danger, missing, or shows significant behavioral or condition changes.
• Interact with and comfort patients, engaging in cognitively stimulating recreational activities as appropriate.
• Maintain a professional appearance, including wearing a clearly legible name tag.
• Assist patients with activities of daily living under supervision of registered health professionals.
• Communicate observations to the healthcare team for care planning.
• Complete documentation as per corporate policy for Observers.
• Perform other duties as assigned, such as high-touch cleaning and filling masks.

Qualifications / Skills

• Minimum Grade 11 or equivalent education recognized by the Ministry of Education, Ontario.
• At least one year of recent related experience in patient care, hospital, long-term care, or complex continuing care settings, OR a PSW certificate from an accredited program, OR completion of at least one year of an accredited Nursing program.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Recent accredited Personal Support Worker certificate is an asset.
• Experience delivering patient-focused care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Current Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification.
• Proof of immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B.
• Proof of a negative 2-step TB skin test within the past year or a negative chest X-ray within the past 5 years.
• Willingness to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Police Check as a condition of employment.