Personal Support Worker

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 Purpose summary:  

Personal Support Workers (PSWs) provide compassionate, person-centred care to seniors attending the Adult Day Program. They assist with activities of daily living, promote safety and dignity, and help create a welcoming, engaging environment that enhances participants’ well-being and independence.

 

Accountabilities:

• Client Services:

• Provide safe, compassionate assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, toileting, meals, and mobility support.
• Maintain professional, trusting relationships with clients and caregivers through empathy, clear communication, and healthy boundaries.

•  Support client safety by monitoring the environment and using proper lifting and transfer techniques including use of mechanical lifts.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks following Safe Food Handling principles and individual dietary needs; promote a pleasant dining experience.
• Assist with the safe arrival and departure of participants.
• Follow infection prevention and control protocols; monitor and document food temperatures to maintain safety and compliance with handling and storage guidelines.
• Maintain organization of client belongings and program supplies; notify Supervisor when replenishment of supplies is needed.
• Respond calmly to emergencies, applying First Aid and Gentle Persuasive Approach techniques as required.
• Assist the Nurse with client health assessments.
• Support recreational and social activities with the Recreation Team to enhance engagement and well-being.

• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and records.

• Communicate client needs, incidents, and concerns promptly to the Supervisor, team, or caregivers.
• Complete and submit incident and report forms within established timelines.
• Monitor internal communication channels and respond as required.
• Contribute to policy and procedure development and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

 Perform other position related duties as required.

 

 

Working Conditions:

·         This is a casual weekend position.

• Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet program requirements; schedule includes days, afternoon and  nights during the weekend.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs. and apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position.
• Frequent lifting, twisting, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing, and pulling, walking, and standing for long period; some kneeling, running may be required.
• May be exposed to disagreeable people, verbal abuse, people with behavioural or mental health challenges and may be exposed to hazardous cleaning chemicals.

 

Normal hours of work:  will include weekend days, afternoon and nights, and includes a ½ hour paid meal break.

 

Normal location of work: 1340 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 3B6  

 

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

 

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Personal Support Worker Certificate is required.

• Fluent French verbal and written communication skills are an asset.

• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required. 
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

 

 Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of prior work experience working with cognitively impaired/frail elderly populations.

• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Current Safe Food Handling Certification.
• Current Gentle Persuasive Approach preferred.

• Montessori for Dementia Care certificate and/or U-First training would be an asset. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products is required - i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet; ability to successfully interact with iPads/tablets and Smart Boards.

• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

 

NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

 

Skills and Capabilities:

• Maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate effective problem-solving skills.
• Must be able to lift 50lbs unassisted.
• Work independently and collaboratively as an engaged team member, promoting shared goals within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Build trust through consistent, professional, and respectful communication; manage interpersonal challenges with diplomacy.

• Take responsibility for quality, timeliness, and results with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrate strong listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Show initiative, discipline, and the ability to follow direction and guide others within defined roles.

• Exhibit integrity, adaptability, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Lead by example with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and flexibility to adapt to change and organizational needs.
• This position must work in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations, including Home and Community Care Services Act, 2020 (HCCSA).

 

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $23.10 to $28.88 with a maximum of $34.65.

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.