Personal Support Workers (PSW)

Personal Support Workers provide care to any person who require personal assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). They may also provide additional care as delegated by an RHP as needed and when it can be performed safely and within Provincial legislation. PSW’s provide personal care and related paraprofessional services in accordance with an established plan of care. Typically involving both personal care tasks and incidental activities of daily living such as housekeeping, meal preparation, socialization and companionship.

Job Description

1. Following basic hygienic practices and applying the principles of body mechanics;
2. Providing assistance with personal care activities such as but not limited to bathing, dressing, transferring, walking, handling stairs, dressing, and grooming; assisting with bedside care as required;
3. Providing assistance with routine activities of daily living and supporting the safety of clients and self;
4. Assisting with the use and monitoring of special aids (i.e., walkers, cranes, wheelchairs, lifts, crutches, etc);
5. Assisting with medication monitoring according to policies and procedures of the agency;
6. Assisting with meal planning and shopping, planning and preparation of nutritious meals, including special diets;
7. Providing ongoing support to family members involved in client care; encouraging involvement in client care and facilitating effective and ongoing communication;
8. Within a multidisciplinary team approach, assisting with support and training of primary caregivers in the care of infants and children according to the service plan;
9. Providing childcare and support where required;
10. In cases where palliative care is necessary, offering sensitive physical, mental and emotional support;
11. Providing assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (errands, paying bills, bringing in wood, etc.) as identified in the service plan;

Required Skills and Abilities:

• • • Ability to work well with others in a team approach, and adapt to changing situations.
    • Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary stressful environment.
    • Excellent communication skills (written and oral), interpersonal skills and computer literacy.
    • Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• • • Completion of six-hundred and forty (640) hours in PSW curriculum.
    • Minimum 1-year experience in a Long-Term Care setting an asset.
    • Knowledge of Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) standards.

Required Professional Designation/Certificate:

• • • Current Personal Support Worker Certificate from a recognized institute.