Personal Support Worker

About the job
DATE: December 24, 2024

LOCATION: Toronto, ON – Downtown East Senior Services, Collegeview

COMPENSATION: $24.32/hour

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Relief – Personal Support Worker.

Job Summary

The Personal Support Worker is responsible for rendering a range of services for the clients of the program consistent with its basic values and goals. The Personal Support Worker will support, as assigned, the needs of the vulnerable, at risk, older adults and seniors living in the multi-sites under the auspices of the program. This support relates to the physical, cognitive, mental health and social/recreational needs of the clients. The staff member will maintain the established routines of the program including all security, fire and general health and safety practices. The Personal Support Worker will perform these and other delegated responsibilities to ensure the quality of personal care of the clients of the program.

Support of the physical and mental health requirements of client
Establish a working rapport with clients that supports their dignity, encourages personal empowerment and facilitates addressing their psychosocial, behaviour management and medical needs
Support clients with reminders related to taking their medications at the scheduled time(s) and in accordance with their physicians’ instructions
Adhere to residence/program established medication system procedures, including ordering, recording and reminding clients about the administration of their medication as well as the self- medication program
Monitor and support clients with medical problems and illnesses, including cleaning areas which require immediate attention, i.e. linens, floor coverings, etc. for the comfort and support of the clients. Further, record illnesses and circumstances related to illness, and arrange for medical/emergency intervention in liaison with the Senior PSW and Program Manager
Encourage and assist clients in the following activities of daily living:
laundering and ironing of personal clothing
dressing/undressing, and ensure clients are dressed appropriately,
personal hygiene including grooming, shaving, oral hygiene, nails and bathing
ambulation, toileting and transferring support,
at mealtimes, meal preparation, serving, feeding, cutting food, etc.,
care for incontinent clients, make client’s bed,
shopping
As a means of promoting a normalized lifestyle, support clients with daily living chores such as bed making, dusting, sweeping and generally keeping their living space in a clean and orderly fashion
Provide support with managing behaviours and problems arising from cognitive issues
Provide social support in areas such as conversation, making phone calls, writing letters, facilitating interest in hobbies and other recreational activities
Escort to medical appointments, visiting friends and other identified needs for social interaction in the community as needed
Maintain current and accurate records of the provision of care services and document behaviours for individual clients in accordance with established procedures
Participate in regularly scheduled meetings with clients and/or other members of the staff team for the purpose of developing goals of support for individual clients. Adhere to the goals and tasks developed
Maintenance ad security, fire and general health and safety
In emergency situations, contact appropriate emergency services immediately. In addition, record all incidents using the appropriate forms. Contact with the Program Manager or designated person will be initiated in accordance with residence/program procedures and practices
Interact with clients during the designated shift, where appropriate. In addition, a formal contact will occur daily to ensure client comfort and safety
If a client is missing, record and follow up according to the program procedures
Ensure equipment and supplies for personal support are readily available. Report any damage or need for repair to maintenance and the Program Manager
Specific medical responsibilities ( at applicable sites)
Monitor the medication program, working directly with the physician, the pharmaceutical consultant, other Personal Support Workers and the Program Manager regarding any problem in the system
Ensure the proper storage and recording of medication from the pharmacy, in consultation with the pharmacist and physicians
Social/ Recreational Activities
Attend program co-ordination meetings and participate in planning activities, as required
Maintain accurate records of program participants
Keep appropriate staff informed of client absent for meals/medication items, because of special outings
Ensure that equipment/supplies required are available and ready for use. Report any damage/need for maintenance on equipment to Senior PSW and Program Manager
Actively participate in all planned program activities
Drive the van to transport the client(s) for outings as well as assume the leadership for the activity. As required and program specific
Other responsibilities as delegated by the Services Coordinator or Program Manager

What You Bring:

Must Haves

Post-secondary education in human services. This qualification may be met by, but not restricted to, a diploma or certificate from a recognized community college (Gerontology Worker Diploma, Personal Support Worker Certificate etc.)
Experience with vulnerable, older adults and seniors with unique special needs including cognitive impairments and/or mental health issues;
Knowledge of medication and general health and psychiatric conditions
First Aid and CPR training
Ability to organize activities and work with individuals and groups in the areas of assessment, problem solving and crisis management
Ability to interact with clients in a positive and supportive manner
Demonstrated ability to work with multi-disciplinary professionals and other staff in a team environment
Good oral and written English skills.
Creativity and flexibility
Computer skills are required

Nice-to-Haves

Experience in social/recreational co-ordination preferred
Possession of a valid Ontario Driver’s License preferred

What We Offer

E-learning program available all year round
Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion