Personal Support Worker

Description:

The Personal Support Worker is responsible for rendering a range of services for the clients of the program consistent with its basic values and goals. The Personal Support Worker will support, as assigned, the needs of the vulnerable, at risk, older adults and seniors living in the multi-sites under the auspices of the program. This support relates to the physical, cognitive, mental health and social/recreational needs of the clients. The staff member will maintain the established routines of the program including all security, fire and general health and safety practices. The Personal Support Worker will perform these and other delegated responsibilities to ensure the quality of personal care of the clients of the program.

Note: Staff will be required to work in residents’ rooms and may therefore be exposed to secondhand smoke.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Support of the physical and mental health requirements of clients.
Establish a working rapport with clients that supports their dignity, encourages personal empowerment and facilitates addressing their psychosocial, behaviour management and medical needs.
Support clients with reminders related to taking their medications at the scheduled time(s) and in accordance with their physicians' instructions.
Adhere to residence/program established medication system procedures, including ordering, recording and reminding clients about the administration of their medication as well as the self- medication program.
Monitor and support clients with medical problems and illnesses, including cleaning areas which require immediate attention, i.e. linens, floor coverings, etc. for the comfort and support of the clients. Further, to record illnesses, the circumstances and arrange for medical/emergency invention in liaison with the Senior PSW and Program Manager.
Encourage and assist clients in the following activities of daily living:
laundering and ironing of personal clothing
dressing/undressing, and ensure clients are dressed appropriately
personal hygiene including grooming, shaving, oral hygiene, nails and bathing
ambulation, toileting and transferring
at meal times, meal preparation, serving, feeding, cutting food, etc.,
care for incontinent clients, make client's bed
shopping
As a means of promoting a normalized lifestyle, support clients with daily living chores such as bed making, dusting, sweeping and generally keeping their living space in a clean and orderly fashion.
Provide support with managing behaviours and problems arising from cognitive issues.
Provide social support in areas such as conversation, making phone calls, writing letters, facilitating interest in hobbies and other recreational activities.
Escort to medical appointments, visiting friends and other identified needs for social interaction in the community.
Maintain current and accurate records of the provision of care services and document behaviours for individual clients in accordance with established procedures.
Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with clients and/or other members of the staff team for the purpose of developing goals of support for individual clients. Adhere to the goals and tasks developed.
Maintenance and security, fire and general health and safety
In emergency situations, contact appropriate emergency services immediately. In addition, record all incidents using the appropriate forms. Contact with the Program Manager or designated person will be initiated in accordance with residence/program procedures and practices.
Interact with clients during the designated shift, where appropriate. In addition, a formal contact will occur daily to ensure client comfort and safety.
If a client is missing, record and follow up according to the program procedures.
Ensure equipment and supplies for personal support are readily available. Report any damage or need for repair to maintenance and the Program Manager.
Specific medical responsibilities (at applicable sites)
Monitor the medication program, working directly with the physician, the pharmaceutical consultant, other Personal Support Workers and the Program Manager regarding any problem in the system.
Ensure the proper storage and recording of medication from the pharmacy, in consultation with the pharmacist and physicians.
Social/ Recreational Activities
Attend program co-ordination meetings and participate in planning activities, as required.
Maintain accurate records of program participants
Keep appropriate staff informed of client absent for meals/medication items, because of special outings
Ensure that equipment/supplies required are available and ready for use. Report any damage/need for maintenance on equipment to Senior PSW and Program Manager.
Actively participate in all planned program activities
Drive the van to transport the client(s) for outings as well as assume the leadership for the activity. As required.
Other responsibilities as delegated by the Services Coordinator or Program Manager

WHAT YOU BRING: 

Completion of a post-secondary education such as Personal Support Worker Certificate, Health Care Aide Certificate, Registered Practical Nurse Certificate.
Experience in providing personal support to vulnerable adults with special needs including addictions, cognitive impairments, justice involvement and/or mental health issues.
In depth knowledge of the forensic system; primarily the Ontario Review Board.
Must have current Food Handling Certification.
Experience assisting with medications and training staff with medication procedures.
Ability to organize social recreational activities and work with individuals and groups.
Ability to interact with clients in a positive and supportive manner.
Physically able to perform demanding body mechanics, (i.e. lifting, transferring, pushing, pulling).
First Aid and CPR certification, knowledge of universal precautions.
Good oral and written skills in English, fluency in a second language is an asset.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
Able to handle stressful situations in a positive manner.
Multi-tasking and time management skills.
Understanding of cultural competency and anti-oppression framework
Reflective of a multi-barriered group, as serviced by the program, a strong asset