Personal Support Worker

Job Description

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at:

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At the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), we count on the expertise and dedication of our skilled inter-professional teams to meet the health care needs of clients with a wide range of diagnoses, and of their families. We aim to enhance this care within our Forensic General Inpatient Units.

The Complex Care and Recovery Program is currently seeking two (2) part-time temporary (for 6 months) Personal Support Workers to work various assigned shifts within Forensic General Units. Reporting to the Manager, you will work as part of the inter-professional teams, and under the direction and supervision of the nursing staff. In this role, you will carry out assigned duties, particularly through ensuring a safe environment, and contribute to the organization and optimal function of the units with a view to promoting and supporting the independence, dignity and social, emotional and cultural well-being of the clients, as well as maintaining a safe and therapeutic milieu.

More specifically, as a Personal Support Worker, you will:

• Provide personal support to clients, including assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), accompanying/escorting clients on and off site for transfers, appointments and programming, and maintaining close or continuous observation of clients.
• Use least restrictive strategies in the prevention of restraint and seclusion, to help maintain safety.
• Collect data on, and communicate both verbally and in writing, behavioural observations and clients' responses to interventions.
• Assume an active role in maintaining security of the program and service through your relationships with clients, as well as through regulation of the physical environment.
• Support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements.

These positions involve 12-hour shift rotations and weekend work at the Queen Street Site.

Job Requirements

The successful candidates will have a Personal Support Care Worker Certificate from an accredited community college or educational institute, a Grade 12 education or equivalent, and current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and First Aid certifications, you have a solid foundation for success as a PSW at CAMH.

These credentials are complemented by the following:

• Knowledge of mental health and psychiatric work experience (at least one year) with people with mental illness and/or addictions and complex medical issues (assets).
• Preferably, experience working in, or recent clinical practicums in, mental health or rehabilitation facilities, and/or possession of, or current enrolment in, a diploma or degree in a health field.
• Knowledge of, and ability to manage, responsive behaviour, and crisis prevention and intervention skills.
• Gentle Persuasive Approaches training (an asset).
• Attention to detail and the ability to work with individuals from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with ergonomics of safe patient handling.