Personal Support Worker (PSW) – Casual

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Description – Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Reports To:

·       RN/RPN

Purpose of Position:              

·       Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team under the guidelines of the nursing process, providing hands-on care to residents.

Education Skills/Qualifications:

·       Graduate of a Certified Health Care Aide or Personal Support Worker Program.

·       (effective 2002 must have a PSW certificate). 

·       Experience in Geriatrics

Areas of Employment Expectations/Accountabilities & Responsibility:

·       Is responsible under the direction of the Director of Resident Care and/or other supervisory nursing personnel, for the carrying out of the established procedures set forward at Eventide Home.

·       Is expected to be supportive of the mission statement at Eventide Home.

·       Provide for a clean/tidy environment for the residents and in staff work areas.

·       Exhibits patience, understanding and respect for residents and their families and is expected to be diligent in carrying out assigned duties in and efficient and timely fashion.

·       Politely refer questions from family members or visitors to the Director of Resident Care or RN in charge.

·       Confidentiality is imperative on and off duty in matters pertaining to the Residents, staff and other Home related business.

·       Assess basic needs of the residents and follow-up accordingly, asking direction from charge nurse / RPN regarding a change in a residents health care status and whenever necessary.

·       Provide all general nursing care and personal care to both male and female residents, providing &/or assisting as required with:

                       I.   daily baths/dressing/ general grooming

                       II.         tub baths/shower weekly/or more frequently as required, assist in/out of bathing system

                      III.         oral care / mouth care of permanent teeth & denture care.

                     IV.         nail care / finger and toenail care (except Diabetic or compromised Vascular Disease conditions).

                       V.         eye care, including eyewear

                     VI.         shaving of facial hair / makeup as requested

                    VII.         lifts & transfers, as to position resident in a position comfortable to them

                  VIII.         toileting as needed/responsible for ensuring bed pans and commodes are clean after use and ensure proper use and application of designated incontinent products for each individual resident.

·       Spot cleaning of accidental soiling of floors as required.

·       Check daily BM records and assist resident with bowel management as directed by the RN.

·       Carry out treatments as directed;

                         I.         creams /ointments, skin care, turning/positioning, passive exercises, catheter/peri care

                       II.         testing urine, specimen collection, walking programs.

·       And all other physical assistance required by our residents.30

·       Prepare body of resident after death for viewing and transfer to funeral home.

·       Assist with dietary needs as required;

                         I.         transporting residents to/from the DR

                       II.         transferring residents to chairs

                      III.         preparing & supervising the meal, (cutting meat etc.)

                     IV.         providing tray service to ill residents/return trays to kitchen after use

                       V.         providing drinks/nourishments

                     VI.         monitoring residents with feeding problems

                    VII.         feeding/encouraging resident with their meal as necessary

                  VIII.         monitoring intake and providing follow-up

·       Provide for socialization needs;

                         I.         transport to activities

                       II.         assist with activity programs as needed

                      III.         spend time visiting with residents who are lonely

                     IV.         provide reassurance to residents/families

·       Reports to the RN/RPN any concerns/ changes in condition regarding residents and accepts and abides by the decision made by the RN regarding care of residents, & documenting as required by the facility.

·       Assist in development/revision of individualized resident care plans

                         I.         Participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the development of care 

plans considering the physical, social, spiritual, emotional needs of the resident.

Health & Safety:

·       Adhere to safety policies/procedures for self and residents.

·       Is familiar with the Health and Safety Policies of the Home.

·       Practices safe working habits as outlined by Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS

·       Attends yearly in-services on WHMIS.

·       Is familiar with Fire policy and procedure manuals and responds to fire and other emergencies.

·       Practices good body mechanics and safe techniques & adhere to lifting policies and procedures and lifting assessments, in manual or mechanically lifting, transferring, transporting and positioning of residents.

·       Is knowledgeable of the proper use of the mechanical lifts & follows proper procedures.

·       Staff must be familiar, follow, and respond to Fire Safety, Bomb Threats, Evacuation Plans and Workplace Violence Policies.

·       Nursing Staff must follow: All departmental and Eventide Home Policies, Procedures & Guidelines.

·       All Health & Safety Rules & Regulations such as WHMIS Ontario Regulation 860.

·       Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents Regulation 833,

·       WSIB.

·       First Aid Regulation 1101

·       All staff must work in a safe manner.

·       All staff must use proper infection control procedures and Health & Safety practices.

Other Duties as Required:

·       Adhere to the dress code of the Nursing Department.

·       Other duties as assigned

Previous Experience: Experience in Geriatrics Preferred

Equipment:                               Knowledge or experience with;

·       Use of Bath aides & Whirlpool Tubs

·       Use of Mechanical Lifts

·       Use of other transfer aides

Work Hours:               Days, Afternoon, Nights, Shift Rotation and Weekends

Must be available and willing to work shifts and weekends as

required.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.