Psw - Caregiver Activation Support Program

**We are currently seeking**:
**Personal Support Worker Caregivers in Toronto/East York/Scarborough for our new Active Body-Active Mind: Caregiver Activation Support Program (Morning and Evening shifts).**

**Why Work at VHA?**
- VHA has over 90 years of experience providing high quality care you can be proud of.
- A stimulating, client and family focused work environment.
- A variety of full-time and part time positions.
- We invest in our staff, offering continuous opportunities for learning.
- Competitive compensation and paid orientation.
- Eligible staff are entitled to a comprehensive benefits package.
- Pension is available to eligible staff.
- A confidential, free Employee Family Assistance Program is available to all staff and service providers.
- We foster a supportive, and respectful team environment.

**Responsibilities**:
The VHA’s Active Body-Active Mind: Caregiver Support Program Activation PSW will roll out planned customized recreational activities under the supervision of Reaction/Activation Supervisor that maintain and promote the physical, emotional and cognitive well-being of vulnerable seniors with dementia living at home.

The Activation PSW will be trained and supervised and be part of the Activation Team (PSW Caregivers, volunteers, caregivers and student placements) to ensure the success of the customized activation/care plan. Activation PSW’s will be trained on the aspects of the Butterfly Model of Care.

***Ideal Attributes**
- Demonstrated ability to recognize safety issues and follow safe work practices
- Possess a compassionate and flexible nature, and a client-centered approach to care-giving
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Requires good judgement, problem solving and assessment abilities
- A keen desire to learn

**To qualify for this role, VHA is looking for PSWs with the following** skills and experience**:

- PSW certification from an approved and recognized educational institution is a must.
- RN/RPN/Internationally educated nurses
- Experience in recreation/activation programming an asset.
- Experience working in Adult Care Programs an asset.
- Experience working in the community with vulnerable seniors with dementia in their home setting and their caregivers as a PSW is an asset.
- Excellent customer service skills and a passion for delivering exceptional service.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to inspire promote and motivate seniors, caregivers, family members, and volunteers to engage in learning activities
- Ability to read, write and speak English (equivalent to grade 10 level).
- Demonstrated commitment to client and family centered care.
- Use of proper body mechanics and successful completion of physical readiness test to ensure safe work practices are followed including mobility, transfers, bending, lifting, push and pulling.
- Demonstrated ability to recognize safety concerns, communicate effectively using a computer and/or mobile device.
- Requires good judgement, the ability to work independently and work cooperatively with the care-giving team.
- Effective problem solving and decision making skills to safely service clients.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification is a definite asset
- Ability to speak a second language is a definite asset

Creating opportunities for more independence; it’s what people in the community rely on us for and what VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) has offered for over 90 years. With over 3,000 health care professionals serving clients in seven Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) in the GTA, London, Ottawa and Durham. VHA’s Client & Family Centered Care community based approach provides nursing, rehabilitation, personal support and home support services. Our caring, professional team offers spectacular care to Ontario seniors, families, adults and children living with disabilities or suffering from a chronic or terminal illness, helping them live life more independently, in comfort and with dignity.

**How to Apply**

**To protect the health and safety of our employees, clients and their families and in the interest to follow strong public health measures, it is a requirement of employment at VHA Home Healthcare to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A fully vaccinated person means you have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization, at least 14 days prior to your start date and you will need to provide proof by submitting a copy of your Ministry of Health COVID-19 Vaccine Dose Administration Receipts or government vaccination passport.**

**VHA Home HealthCare will consider cases needing accommodation as stipulated by the **_Ontario Human Rights Code._** In the event that you are unable to be vaccinated as a result of a ground protected under the **_Human Rights Code_**, you may submit a request for accommodation with an explanation of the ground and/or any supporting documentation to assist in the determinat