The Personal Support Worker (PSW) will work cooperatively and professionally with other healthcare providers, other agency staff and Helping Hands staff to provide personal support services to clients, as directed by the organization. Personal support services include, but are not limited to bathing, dressing, and grooming clients, emptying bed pans and toiletry duties. The Personal Support Worker will also assist clients in their daily activities, physical exercise, and will move clients in wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Other responsibilities may include preparing meals, serving meal trays, aiding in feeding clients, making beds, and housekeeping the client’s living space or areas. Housekeeping services include but are not limited to dusting, vacuuming, mopping, laundry, bathroom cleaning and disinfection duties.
Description of Duties, Responsibility and Authority
• Protect and promote the welfare, dignity, and individual rights of our clients at all times
• Provide Personal Care services as assigned and as needed with scope of practice
• Adhere to the goals, policies and aims of Helping Hands in all professional activities
• Conduct Home at Last (HAL) functions and duties, as instructed
• Provide housekeeping duties, as assigned; ensure the client’s surroundings and personal effects are clean, tidy, and serviceable
• Clean equipment
• Assemble, set-up and operate job-related equipment
• Provide personal care duties, as assigned
• Take client’s blood pressure and temperature
• Assist in collection of specimens such as stool samples, as required
• Provide limited client transportation services, as approved
• Conduct errands for/with clients including, but not limited to grocery shopping, banking, paying bills, etc. when assigned
• Provide continuation of service, with respect to oxygen administration, as stipulated in Scope of Practice, properly and safely secure tanks and related equipment during transport
• Adhere to organizational dress codes and Personal Protective Equipment policies
• Follow all infection control policies and protocols, as established by the organization
• Ensure administrative functions are completed in a timely and efficient manner
• Track own mileage and timekeeping as per organization protocols
• Assist the Manager with assessing, investigating, and following up on incidents related to clients
• Providing data entry duties including entering assessment information, statistics, etc.
• Ensure safety protocols and procedures are always adhered to; promote safe work activities by participating in safety initiatives, training and attending safety meetings, as needed. This may also include acting as an Employee Safety Representative for the organization
• Complete RAI CHA and other ongoing client assessments as assigned
• Follow all administrative and operational policies and procedures
• Bring to the attention of the Manager any incidents, complaints, and/or accidents in the organization. Such issues are to be reported immediately or as soon as practical
• Adhering to and re-enforcing the organizational structure and policies, providing support where needed to meet client needs
• Respond to emergencies (including after-hours situations) for the purpose of addressing immediate safety or client care concerns
• Actively engage in HH Communication Portal (at least once per week)
• Participate in regular training modules
• Adhere to Scope of Practice
• Any other duties, as assigned
NOTE: For a more comprehensive list of duties, please refer to the Helping Hands PSW Task List/Scope of Practice, as modified from time to time by the organization, at management’s discretion.
Key Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualifications:
• A PSW or DSW Certification or equivalent from a recognized institution; or a post-secondary education in Social Service Work (SSW); or a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Supportive Care/PSW role
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• Current First Aid/CPR, class C required
• Experience in Community or Long-Term Care Setting is an asset
• Maintain own current driver’s license (G or equivalent)
• A Driver’s Abstract clear of uninsurable convictions
• Maintain own operable and appropriate vehicle
• Maintain own auto insurance policy with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage and appropriate insurance coverage to use the vehicle for work purposes
• Current, clean criminal record check including vulnerable sector check
• Certification in food safety awareness is considered an asset
• Physically capable of performing assigned duties within a flexible work schedule inside a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation
• Ability to meet and maintain health requirements
• Knowledge of and abilities in transferring, lifting, and other attendant care duties
• Politically and culturally sensitive
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
• Must be familiar with laws, regulations, and guidelines governing health care provision
• Computer proficiency, with knowledge of assessment software
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize and work in a fast-paced work environment
• Must have the ability to plan, organize, develop, implement, and interpret the existing and new programs, goals, objectives, policies, procedures, etc.
• Ability to work well independently
• Awareness and respect of cultural diversity of clients
• Knowledge and sensitivity to individuals with disabilities and disorders
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Able to provide proof of full Covid-19 vaccination status, or complete a mandatory education session if not vaccinated
Work Conditions
• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
• Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors and government agencies.
• Travel may be required.
• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers, tablets and peripherals.
• Overtime as required.
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting and supporting patients.
Other Considerations
Due to the changing nature of the Organization’s role and relationship with funders, the duties and responsibilities of this position may change, from time to time, necessitating the delegation of other related duties within the Organization.
This position is created and maintained within the Organization through program funding through the Government of Ontario. The continuation of this position within the Organization is dependent on continued funding through the Government of Ontario.
Helping Hands Orillia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each team member brings and believe diversity strengthens our organization and the services we provide.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Accommodations are available at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants are encouraged to advise us of any accommodation needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
AI Statement: We may use AI-enabled tools to assist with screening or assessing applications. These tools support - but do not replace - human decision-making. All hiring decisions are made by people. Accommodations are available upon request.
