Support Worker

Job Description -Support Worker (SW)

**Place of Employment**: Client homes, work sites outside the client home as required and other work sites as directed by management.

**Accountable to **Supervisor or Nurse-in-Charge.

**Job Summary**: The PSW is a front-line position acting as a representative of the company and providing the services offered by the company. The SW duties are not limited to those listed as the position has a broad scope of duties at times dependent on the client and always under the company's auspices. The SW will mostly work independently of co-workers or supervisors and, therefore, must balance good judgement and initiative with the company's policies.

It should be noted that the emphasis is for the SW to involve the client in the care program to help provide the client with the basic standards of healthy living as follows:

- Physical Activity
- Mental Stimulation
- Personal Contact
- Independence
- Nutrition
- Relaxation
- Humour
- Dignity

**Work Hours**: This position may require various shifts at various times (including nights, weekends, and sleep-over) in one or more work sites.

**Duties**: The following list of tasks is a guideline of possible duties to be performed independently or as a group of duties while working with the client. The SW duties are not limited to those listed.

Companionship

Providing customers with a strong sense of self-esteem and independence. Taking a genuine interest in the client, their life and their environment will help create a true sense of companionship. Whether playing a favourite board game or card game, reading, taking a stroll or visiting with friends and neighbours, companionship provides the depth of our services.

Housekeeping, Laundry, and Pet Care

The SW will provide dusting, washing hardwood and flooring, vacuuming carpets and furniture, changing bedding; scrubbing the bathroom; pre-washing, washing, drying, ironing and folding laundry; defrosting refrigerators/freezers; cleaning ovens/stoves and china cabinets; caring for house plants; taking out the garbage and general tidying of living spaces as required or requested. It also includes caring for pets, including grooming, feeding, exercising, walking, playing, and cleaning up after the pet.

Personal Care

This includes assisting with grooming needs such as hair care, shaving, and cleaning teeth/dentures; supervising or assisting with tub baths, showers, sponge baths, and bed baths; assisting with dressing and undressing; assisting with mobilization activities including turning, transferring, exercising, and walking; assisting with toilet and/or commode needs; assisting with eating or feeding; monitoring vital signs such as blood pressures, pulse and respiration. It also includes reminding the client to take their prescription medications. It does not involve cutting toenails or fingernails, changing dressings, or administering medications unless specifically delegated by the supervising nurse.

Kitchen Work

Grocery shopping, preparing menus and meals, cooking, baking, serving, assisting with eating, washing, drying dishes and general tidying up is included.

Transportation and Escort

An SW may drive their car and transport a client to an appointment or errand if the SW has written authorization from the company. The SW may also escort the client to appointments or errands, providing a helping hand or shoulder to lean on.

**Qualifications**:
1. Personal Support Worker certificate or equivalent

2. Experience working with seniors

3. Current CPR and First Aid

4. Vulnerable Sector police check required

5. Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation

6. Ability to work independently.

7. Able to work in a stressful environment.

8. Must be physically and mentally fit to handle the caregiving demands.

9. Truly passionate about providing excellent care

10. Enthusiasm about promoting and maintaining health

11. Well-developed interpersonal skills

12. Attention to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile for your clients

13. A positive attitude

14. Respectful and reliable

**Job Types**: Part-time, Casual

**Salary**: $22.00 per hour

Schedule:

- Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3P2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Secondary School (preferred)

**Experience**:

- supportive care: 1 year (preferred)

**Language**:

- English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- First Aid Certification (preferred)

Shift availability:

- Day Shift (preferred)

Work Location: In person