Health Care Aide

Thorpe Recovery Centre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing client-centered and community-based addiction services. We are an accredited facility, providing Residential Treatment,

From our initial six clients in 1975, hailing from the Lloydminster area to the 700-plus individuals now helped annually from across Western Canada, Thorpe Recovery Centre continues to tailor each person’s treatment experience to meet their individual needs. Everyone’s history is uniquely their own – and we believe their recovery journey should be too. Each person who has walked through our doors has shaped our history and our future; for over 46 years, the development of our services has been based on the needs of our community. Regardless of our size, scope, or geographic outreach, the purpose of what we do remains the same – achieve wellbeing and happiness.

Located on 34 acres in the rural setting of Blackfoot, Alberta, staff are able to access a serenity garden area on the edge of its ponds that is surrounded by a 1km walking path. The facility is over 54,000 square feet has 12 medically supported detox beds and 62 inpatient addiction treatment beds where staff enjoy bright and open lunch/coffee areas and a wellness room for self time.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our goals of creating a great place to work and delivering exceptional care. We acknowledge and accommodate unique differences and ensure special measures are in place so that all prospective and current employees are given an opportunity to succeed.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

We at Thorpe Recovery Centre respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory—the travelling route, gathering place and meeting grounds for Indigenous Peoples, including the Nehiyaw,

Denesųłıné, Siksikaitsitapi, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Métis Otipemisiwak and

Esikisimu Nunangat, whose histories, languages, cultures and traditions continue to influence our vibrant community. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Reporting to the Medical Manager or designate the Health Care Aides (also known as HCAs) are valued members of the TRC team and provide support to the patients and staff. HCA's provide comfort and support to those in the inpatient addiction treatment setting. They may assist with personal hygiene, recreational activities and emotional support to the patients. Additionally, they support varied staff roles within the TRC including nursing staff and the Community Support Workers (CSW) with a goal of a supportive and therapeutic resource for admissions, discharges and transportation as required.

HCA's document and report on their observations and communication concerns to nurses and other licensed Health Care professional and in the TRC EMR

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Demonstrate an understanding of the patient care plan and the role of the HCA in implementing the care plan.
• Encourage and support the patient’s efforts to maintain and/or enhance their health, wellness, independence and quality of life.
• Promote the patient’s ability to guide and participate in their own care to the greatest degree possible. In collaboration with the interdisciplinary team at TRC.
• Demonstrate an ability to care for and communicate with patients with cognitive, and/or mental health and addictions challenges. Recognize and respond appropriately to the patient displaying responsive/changing behaviours.
• Report and document incidents, adverse events and/or near misses according to practice setting guidelines and policies.
• Understand the role of each member of the Health Care team.
• Participate in the development and revision of the patient’s care plan.
• Report changes in the patient to the LPN or Medical Manager in a timely manner.
• Understand when to seek assistance and information from TRC nursing staff members and ongoing demonstration of this ability.
• Demonstrate proficiency in comprehension of the English language, including verbal and written communication. Communicate through a variety of methods written (electronic/paper, client chart and emails), verbal (telephone and in person).
• Demonstrate effective use of information technology (including EMR) applicable to TRC.
• Prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies, safety hazards, and unsafe situations that may endanger any TRC staff or patients.
• Recognize and report signs of abuse and/or neglect.
• Demonstrate infection prevention and control principles and adhere to practice setting guidelines and policies.

• Demonstrate the ability to operate health equipment safely.
• Assists as necessary with the transfer of prescriptions between pharmacies and pick up as required; requires sign off by on-shift LPN and double signature.
• Assists with admission, transfers, and discharges of program patients as required while remaining within their competency skill set.
• Arranges medical appointments and follow up appointments as required and approved by the

Medical Manager

• Assists with restocking of medical supplies as approved by the nurse manager.
• Conducts pre-employment drug testing for potential staff members.
• All other related duties as required by the Medical Manager
• Attends all mandatory staff meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Health Care Aide Certificate required.
• Medication Assistance program preferred.
• Experience in an addiction or mental health center preferred.
• Ability to use critical thinking skills.
• Team player/able to work independently when needed.
• Able to work 12-hour shifts to include weekends and nights.
• First Aid up to date.
• Will be required to obtain a Criminal record Check with Vulnerable sector check upon hiring and every 2 years of employment.
• Injectable Naloxone and nasal naloxone up to date
• Orientation to Sublocade and Suboxone

• HEALTH AND SAFETY

Thorpe Recovery Centre works to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of clients, staff, students and volunteers. All employees must adhere to current Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, all applicable regulations, licensing bodies requirements, standards as well as organizational health and safety requirements and procedures.

Thorpe Recovery Centre follows all Provincial Health recommendations. In order to be considered for this position, all candidates must be in compliance with current provincial health authority and contractual vaccination requirements.

We are committed to building a representative workforce and encourage applications reflecting diversity of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization or ancestry, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All candidates must adhere to the standards and policies laid out in the Residential Addiction Treatment Services – Mental Health Services Protection Regulation and the Mental Health Services Protection Act - MHSPA (current as of December 15, 2022).

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $25.09-$29.08 per hour

Ability to Commute:

• Blackfoot, AB (required)

Work Location: In person