Personal Support Worker (psw), Home Support - Casual

Personal Support Worker

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 health care team in meeting the needs of clients to attain an optimal level of independence and well-being.

Key responsibilities include observing and evaluating 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.

Other duties include contributing to the development of the personal support care plan, implementing changes to the care plan, performing personal support tasks, providing personal care, providing simple bedside care, providing respite care, supporting clients' families, organizing daily activities, completing daily call checks, assessing the client's pattern of communication, communicating with appropriate members of the health team, and functioning in compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation, regulations, and VON policies and procedures.

Common responsibilities include promoting the goals and values of VON, promoting a safe and healthy workplace, abiding by all VON policies and work practices, ensuring confidentiality and protection of personal information, and working in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

External and internal relationships include engaging frequently with the immediate supervisor or the Personal Support Program Manager on any needed changes to client plans and other relevant information.

Education, designations, and experience required include a high school diploma, CCA Certification in Nova Scotia, Certificate in Home Support Worker, Personal Support Worker program, or Health Care Aide, current Standard First Aid Certificate or CPR level C Certificate, post-secondary degree or diploma, some household management experience, and experience working with elderly or ill individuals or children.

Skill requirements include strong communication skills, good assessment skills, awareness of community resources, ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or independently as required, ability to take direction well, ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments, capacity to adhere to strict confidentiality, and ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Other requirements include access to a personal vehicle for work, current driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Search and/or a Child Abuse Registry Check, availability to work flexible hours, and ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Working conditions and physical demands include a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize 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.