Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Personal Support Worker (PSW)

Primary Focus

• The PSW will provide personal care that reflects sensitivity and respect for the individuality of each Client. The attitude and approach and abilities are critical to the well-being, comfort, safety and health of the people they support.
• The PSW will perform light housekeeping duties and apply household management skills as assigned.
• In keeping with the Occupational Health & Safety Act, the PSW will take every reasonable precaution to ensure that the workplace is safe. A sound knowledge of the principles and practices of good body mechanics as well as the knowledge of how to safely handle, store and dispose of hazardous substances and handle potential hazards is required in order to provide safe care in a variety of settings.
• The PSW is expected to use judgements in responding to the needs of Clients within the boundaries of their role; they are not allowed to diagnose or assess, or respond to acute or unexpected situations beyond basic first aid.

Responsibilities:

Duties should be performed keeping in mind that the Client must always be encouraged to function at their optimal level:

1. Assists Client with their personal care such as bathing, grooming, dressing, mouth care, skin care.
2. Assists Client with ambulating as needed which may include climbing of stairs, getting in and out of bed and assisting with transferring where indicated. Transfers may be accomplished by use of transfer belts, bath board, bath bench or mechanical lifts.
3. Assists Client with elimination by assisting with toileting needs either through reminders or through help to walk to the bathroom, assistance with commode, urinal or bedpan. If incontinent of bowel or bladder assist with cleaning Client and environment, and emptying of urinary drainage or stoma bags.
4. Provides bedside care including bed baths, skin and mouth care.
5. Demonstrates awareness of own strengths and limitations – utilizes stress management techniques.
6. Applies special communication skills to facilitate understanding when dealing with Clients who are not able to self-direct their own care.
7. Recognizes and respects roles and relationships within families including concepts of family dynamics, abuse, communications and stress management.
8. Provides support and assistance to the Client who is dying and their family, demonstrates an understanding of death and dying, palliative care, Client rights, care of body after death and grief process.
9. Performs delegated tasks as directed by a registered staff member.
10. Prepares nourishing meals and special diets as required and assists with eating as required.
11. Performs meal planning and grocery shopping.
12. Assists Client with medication by reminding of appropriate time, removing the cap or seal if necessary, checking the label for the Client and allowing the Client to pour their own medication.
13. Performs light housekeeping duties, exclusive of heavy and seasonal cleaning but including dusting, vacuuming, sponge mopping floor, making and changing bed, cleaning stove, defrosting fridge, washing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, cleaning the cupboards, tidying and cleaning the rooms most by used by Client/family. Operates various household appliances.
14. Does light laundry, ironing and essential mending of clothing.
15. Provides assistance to Client as required for respite care and escort services to appointments, etc.
16. Provides childcare in accordance with the Client’s needs.
17. Reports pertinent Client information to the Supervisor and completes required documentation.
18. Observes and report potential hazards in the Client’s environment and follows safe work practices and procedures.

Proffessional Development Requirements

1. Personal Support Worker certificate from a recognized community college or private vocational school.
2. Previous experience working in the community is preferred.

Key Contacts/Relationships

• External
  • Accountable to the Supervisor.
  • Works effectively, efficiently and in complete cooperation with clients, field and administrative staff.
• Internal
  • Franchise office staff
  • Caregivers

Working Environment

• Client home environment
• Institutions (long term care facilities, hospitals)

Physical and Mental Effort

• Travel
• Standing or sitting for long periods

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