Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Personal Support Worker’s (PSW) provide care to person(s) who require personal assistance with activities of daily living. They may also provide additional care as delegated by an Regulated Health Professional 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.

PSWs also provide for the personal needs and comfort of all individuals in their homes or other environments. Typically involves both personal care tasks and incidental activities of daily living, such as housekeeping, meal preparation, socialization and companionship.

Job Duties

  • Can assist person(s) with activities of daily living such as feeding, lifts and transfers, bathing, skin care, oral hygiene, and toileting.
  • Can perform delegated tasks which have been delegated by an RHP in compliance with the RHPA for which transfer of functional training has been completed, such as insertion of a digit or instrument into a body cavity, care or procedure under the dermis and any task or skill needing a physician’s prescription.
  • Can assist with medication and medication reminders to person(s) in accordance with MSHHSI policy.
  • Can perform light housekeeping duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming, washing dishes, and laundry.
  • Must continuously observe person(s) and their environments, and must report and document unsafe conditions and behavioral, physical, and / or cognitive changes to an appropriate supervisor, i.e. family member, employer, care coordinator etc.
  • Must communicate and demonstrate basic information to person(s) in relation to activities of daily living, light housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, in accordance with pre-established Plan of Care.
  • Must complete and maintain related records and documentation such as communication books and progress notes
  • Following the care plan, observing and reporting any substantial findings and/or changes in patient/resident/client’s behavior to the appropriate registered member of the healthcare team.
  • Working under the supervision of a Registered Healthcare Professional such as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)
  • Performing tasks delegated to them (only if they are trained to perform the delegated task)
  • Assisting with ambulation, positioning, and transferring using mechanical lifts such as a Hoyer lift.
  • Assisting or providing total personal care such as toileting, bathing, and perineal care.
  • Assisting with eating, dressing, and grooming.
  • Assisting nursing staff by answering call bells (In Retirement and Long-Term care homes)
  • Performing sitter duty or patient watch for confused patients in clinical care settings.
  • Computer or paper documentation of Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) and other findings.
  • Reporting behavioral and clinical changes to a Registered Nurse, Registered Practical Nurse, Resource Nurse, or Manager.
  • Self-actualization by helping patient/resident/client to reach maximum potential

Ideal Qualifications

  • PSW certification from an approved and recognized educational institution
  • 1 years’ experience in providing homemaking and/or personal support services, including care of seniors.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English
  • Demonstrated commitment to client and family centered care.
  • Use of proper body mechanics and successful completion of physical readiness to ensure safe work practices are followed including mobility, transfers, bending, lifting, push, and pulling.
  • Demonstrate ability to recognize safety concerns, communicate effectively using a computer and/or mobile device.
  • Requires good judgment, the ability to work independently, and work cooperatively with the care-giving team.
  • Effective problem solving and decision-making skills to safely service clients.
  • Ability to travel between assignments by car
  • Flexible to work weekends
  • Current CPR and First Aid certification is a definite asset
  • Must be available to work on the weekends or rotational weekends

Abilities required to perform job effectively include

  • Overall competency in working under pressure
  • Experience in providing general care and support
  • Knowledge of home care services
  • Proficient in written communication
  • Proficient in oral communication
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