Position Summary

The Personal Support Worker (PSW) works in harmony with Hospice Niagara’s philosophy of care as an integral part of an inter-disciplinary team. The PSW is responsible for assisting our residents with their activities of daily living, as well as providing comfort and support to residents and their loved ones. The PSW is also responsible for general housekeeping, meal preparation and delivery, inventory coordination, and timely completion of medical records and documents, as required.

Reporting to the Director of Care and/or supervisor on shift (Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse), the PSW works as a productive, contributing member of the inter-disciplinary team by providing holistic palliative end-of-life care. The PSW is responsible for providing direct care to the resident.

The PSW performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Activities of Daily Living

• Bathing (there are no restrictions for showers or tub baths as long as they can be performed safely)
• Oral hygiene, dressing, peri-care, colostomy, catheter, toileting/continence, and nail care for the non-diabetic resident
• Application and removal of protective dressings, topical creams and ointments
• Application of therapeutic aids (e.g. support stockings, etc.)
• Storage of clothing and personal belongings

Housekeeping and Safety

• General housekeeping, tidying and re-stocking of resident rooms, family room, chef’s kitchen, and common areas
• Daily maintenance of a safe workplace; notifying the supervisor of any unsafe areas or equipment
• Launder residents’ personal clothing and linens
• Collect and dispose of residence garbage

Meal Preparation, Delivery and Feeding

• Prepare, deliver, and feed residents
• Oversee volunteers working in the residence
• Monitor and report any difficulties in chewing and swallowing to the Director of Care/supervisor and follow all instructions as per the Care Plan
• Provide nutritional supplements, as needed
• Encourage and assist residents in their eating and respond to any food or drink preferences, likes and dislikes
• Provide oral and denture care after eating and as required

Transfers and Lifts

• Assist residents requiring help to move from one area to another, according to the determined safe method per their Care Plan, including the use of mechanical lifts
• Assist with ambulation, range of motion or other exercises

Post-mortem Care

• Provide care of the body after death
• Gather personal belongings and provide them to family/loved ones

Therapeutic Relationships

• Establish a rapport and foster open communication, positive relationships and emotional support with residents and their loved ones
• Identify when additional support is required and collaborate with inter-disciplinary team to ensure these needs are met

Communications and Leadership

• Serve as a positive role model to other staff and volunteers; provide guidance, mentoring and knowledge sharing using a team-oriented approach
• Provide ongoing input and feedback during team reports/meetings; effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations
• Effectively complete documentation and reporting
• Identify, provide input and actively participate in process improvement opportunities
• Assist with the admission process
• Demonstrate a commitment to life-long learning; participate in educational and development opportunities as determined by the Individual Development Plan
• Raise positive community awareness of hospice palliative care and of the programs and services provided by Hospice Niagara
• Demonstrate personal initiative and participation in other aspects of working for a non-profit organization, including participating in organizational events and fundraising activities
• Participate on at least one internal committee or project (e.g. Wellness, Health and Safety, etc.)
• Report any contravention of health and safety policies or regulations
• Other duties, as assigned

Skills & Attributes

• Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
• Demonstrated focus on person-centred care
• Clear understanding and commitment to ethics, as they relate to hospice palliative care
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset)
• Demonstrated organizational, critical thinking and prioritization skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and take direction from those in a supervisory position
• Proficiency in data entry and computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word and the Internet
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
• Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
• Effectively set appropriate boundaries and understand the limitations of volunteers in client care
• Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
• Demonstrate a healthy adjustment to loss and exercise ongoing self-care

Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience

• Personal Support Worker certificate
• Palliative care work experience, or an intrinsic motivation to work in a palliative care setting

• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favourable, within past 12 months)
• Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• First Aid/CPR (preferred, must be taken within 12 months of hire)
• Mask Fit (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• Safe Food Handling (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)

Evaluation

• Ongoing observation and feedback
• Annual performance assessment and discussion; individual development planning

Please note that Hospice Niagara requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Hospice Niagara.