Personal Support Worker (PSW), Home Support - Casual

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: Home Support
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
On Call: No

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 well-being.

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 care plan to determine if any changes are required and whether 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 any changes in the client’s or family's personal support needs to the supervisor or Manager.
• Performs personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the client and family, including light cleaning, meal preparation, shopping, and household safety monitoring.
• Provides personal care as directed, including assisting with mobility, hygiene, and other personal matters.
• Provides simple bedside care under the direction of a nurse.
• Provides respite care to clients as required.
• Supports clients’ families by providing childcare as required.
• Organizes daily activities, setting priorities for personal support and other tasks.
• Completes daily call checks and other forms as required.
• Assesses the client's communication patterns and ability to relate.
• Communicates with health team members regarding the management of the client's or family's needs.
• Functions and reports in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and VON policies.
• Functions in accordance with VON's risk management policies to promote client safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

External and Internal Relationships:

• Engages frequently with the immediate supervisor or the Personal Support Program Manager on needed changes to client plans.

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.
• Some household management experience and experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children.

Skill Requirements:

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients and families.
• Good assessment skills.
• Awareness of community resources.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently.
• Able to take direction well.
• Ability to adapt to different social and economic environments.
• The capacity to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Other:

• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work and possess 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.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements emphasizing 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.