Personal Support Worker (PSW), Home Support - Full-time

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. Tasks may include light cleaning, preparation of nutritious meals, care of clothes, shopping for the client as required, and monitoring and maintaining household safety.
• Provides personal care as directed by the Personal Support Program Manager or immediate supervisor, including assisting the client in walking, climbing or descending stairs, getting into and out of bed, eating, dressing and other matters of personal hygiene.
• 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 under the direction of the Personal Support Program Manager or an immediate supervisor.
• Completes daily call checks, and other forms as required, to maintain the effective and efficient operation of the personal and home support service.
• Affirms 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 and informs an immediate supervisor or Manager of any changes or concerns.
• 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• 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.
• Awareness of community resources.
• Able to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently as required.
• Able to take direction well.
• Able to adjust to working in different social and economic environments.
• Communicating in a clear and effective manner, demonstrating respect, empathy and understanding.
• The capacity to adhere to strict confidentiality.

Education

• 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.