Health Care Aide (Casual/Part-Time Temporary)

Pilgrims Hospice Society (PHS) is a registered charity that provides supportive and compassionate family-centered care to enhance the quality and dignity of life for those diagnosed with a progressive, life-limiting illness as well as support to those who are grieving the death of a loved one, from any cause.

Job Description

The Health Care Aide (HCA) is a member of the residential care team, supporting the overall provision of the care of residents. The HCA is responsible for providing direct care to assist the residents with their activities of daily living, the comfort and safety of residents, as well as indirect services to support the overall care philosophy of PHS. These services are provided under the supervision of the RN or LPN. The type of supervision (direct or indirect) will depend on the complexity of the task or procedure being assigned, the stability of the resident and the skill of the HCA.

The HCA performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Pilgrims Hospice Society’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation. The sensitive nature of the work requires the HCA to work in an environment that involves chronic death, dying, grief and loss. This regularly includes providing comfort and support to residents and their family / loved ones, as well as to their colleagues. All Staff are encouraged to proactively identify and practice their best methods of ensuring self-care to ensure they are equipped to manage through difficult times.

Reporting to the Director, Hospice Care & Clinical Practice, the HCA works as a productive, contributing member of the inter-disciplinary team by providing holistic palliative end-of-life care.

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, catheter care, toileting / continence, and nail care
• 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 & 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 resident’s personal clothing and linens
• Collect and dispose of residence garbage

• Meal preparation, delivery & feeding
• Deliver meals, and provide meal assistance, when required
• Oversee volunteers working in the residence
• Monitor and report any difficulties in chewing and swallowing to the RN/LPN 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 & 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 and other exercises

• Post-Mortem care
• Provide care of the body after death
• Gather personal belongings and provide them to family / loved ones, when required

• 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 members to ensure these needs are met

• Communications & 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 and 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; participates 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 Pilgrims Hospice Society
• 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

Requirements

• Health Care Aide certificate
• Current registration with the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA)
• Palliative care work experience, or an intrinsic motivation to work in a palliative care setting
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favorable, within past 30 days)
• Mask Fit (preferred, within past two years)

• Skills and abilities
• Strong dedication to the vision, mission, and values of Pilgrims Hospice Society
• Demonstrated focus on person-centered 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 Internet
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evening, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to work a minimum of 1 shift per month

Mandatory Employment Requirement

Successful candidates will be required to provide a current satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check prior to first day of employment.

Shift Requirement

Successful candidates will be expected to pick up an average of one shift each month over the employment term.

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TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume on our recruitment portal.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. The posting will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Shifts: Days 0700-1515 Evenings 1500-2315 Nights 2300-0715