Home Helper

**Requisition Details**:
Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: Home Help
Work Schedule: Days
Union/Bargaining Unit: CUPE
On Call: No

**Job Summary**:
The Home Helper provides homemaking services to individuals and families in the home or at the time of discharge from hospital according to the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards and quality & risk management. The Home Helper collaborates with members of the health care team in meeting the needs of individuals to attain an optimal level of independence and wellbeing.

**_ This position is eligible for the $3.00 per hour wage enhancement from the Ontario Government for all hours spent directly caring for clients._**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Performs light housekeeping for clients in their home including (but not limited to) dusting, cleaning kitchen/bathroom, vacuuming, mopping floors, laundry, and errand service.
- Prepares meals and completes the environmental risk assessments.
- Provides companionship and conversation to the clients.
- Provides stabilization and assistance with walking.
- Provides medication reminders and appointment reminders.
- Observes and evaluates the individual's/family's home, personal situation and client/family care plan.
- Contributes to the development (with the help of the Coordinator) of the care plan.
- Communicates verbally with appropriate members of the health team regarding the management of the client's/family's homemaking, physical, and emotional needs.
- Adheres to the VON standards for conduct and behavior and upholds VON's Core Values

**Common Responsibilities**
- Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider.
- Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices and Procedures.
- Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
- Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role.
- Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.

**External and Internal Relationships**:

- Engages frequently with the Clients, Client’s family members and Home Support Coordinator on any needed changes to client plans and other relevant information.

**Education, Designations and Experience**:

- High school graduate.
- 2-3 years’ experience working with children, seniors and person with disability.
- Post-Secondary school education preferred.
- Household management or professional customer service experience preferred.
- Experience working for a professional cleaning services organization preferred.
- Experience working with people from different social and economic environments preferred.
- Current CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
- Personal Support Worker or Health Care Aide certification an asset.

**Skill Requirements**:

- Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Good assessment skills.
- Awareness of community resources.
- Ability to take direction, as well as to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

**Other**:

- Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance
- Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well as periodically overnight(s) to support sites and attend meetings
- A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required
- A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.