Psw/ Dsw

**The Opportunity - Respite House Assistant**

Carefor Health & Community Services is a local, charitable, non-profit home health care and community support service organization. We offer a wide range of programs and services, supporting clients of all ages-and their caregivers. Our skilled staff work closely with clients, caregivers, and other members within the circle of care, to create and deliver a flexible care plan that is tailored to the individual’s needs.

**Respite House is a 24-hour respite program on the Perley Health site (1750 Russell Rd, Ottawa, ON) for individuals living with dementia.**

Respite House provides respite care, in both English and French, for persons in the early to mid-stage of dementia. Respite House is truly a “Home Away from Home.” It was built for individuals with dementia and their families in mind. It is a bungalow offering accommodation for guests in 12 private suites and a private secure garden. A stay at Respite House gives the individual with dementia an opportunity to continue daily routines in a safe home-like setting while their caregiver gets time away from day-to-day care. We strive to support individuals with dementia and their families in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Working as part of a team, the Respite House Assistant is responsible for facilitating the guest’s stay by promoting and supporting his/her abilities/strengths. The assistant will support the guest’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual care in keeping with the mission, goals, and objectives of the program and within the framework of Carefor’s policies, procedures, and standards. The assistant may be responsible for several housekeeping duties to ensure smooth operation of the Respite House.

Carefor is committed to providing quality care to its clients twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. In order to accomplish this, you will be expected to work the schedule as posted. However, Carefor does reserve the right to change the schedule as required.

**You will make an impact in the following ways**:

- Taking direction from the Team leaders or Charge staff
- Assist with personal support tasks reflecting the needs of the individual/family.
- Support the guest’s need for supervision/cueing/assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and mobilizing
- Assist with daily housekeeping duties (sweeping, dusting, tidying, bed-making etc.)
- Assist with laundry (bed linen, towels etc.) for the program
- Undertake meal preparation and other kitchen duties
- Facilitate meaningful activities to ensure guests enjoy their stay
- Help create and maintain welcoming, home-like environment for guests
- Maintain a clean and safe environment
- Encourage guests to contribute to the tasks involved in running of the program, to the best of their abilities.
- Plan, lead and participate in a variety of meaningful one-on-one, small, and large group activities geared to the guests’ abilities and preferences
- Work as part of a team that includes staff, volunteers, guests, and family members

**What we offer you**:

- Competitive base salary
- Defined Pension Plan with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
- Health and dental benefits
- Work life balance
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development opportunities
- A collaborative team culture that supports making a difference in the lives of our client

**You will need to have**:

- Degree/Diploma/Certificate in Social Services, Dementia, Personal Support Worker, Development Support Worker, SSW or Gerontology or related education
- Experience or Education in Recreation is considered an asset
- Current Standard First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate mandatory
- Food Handling Certificate is an asset
- Work/volunteer experience with Dementia clients or special needs elderly is preferred
- Ability to understand, speak, read and write in English fluently
- Ability to understand and speak fluently in French
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills & experience working in a team Environment
- Experience working with seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments
- Ability to take direction well
- Ability to work independently
- Training in responsive behaviour management and intervention, example: GPA

**#INHP**

**Job Type**: Casual

**Salary**: $19.67-$24.59 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program
- Wellness program

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Ottawa, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Work Location: One location