Health Care Aid

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary: 

The Health Care Aide (HCA) performs care tasks under the direction and instruction from the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and specific supervision of the Unit Manager or Resident Care Manager.  The HCA works as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team in assisting residents meet their personal care needs as outlined in resident Care Plans. 

HCAs provides safe and competent care within scope of practice by following the policies, procedures and the standards of care for nursing department.  This includes medical assistance, utilizing proper body mechanics, perform lifts and transfers as indicated by the care plan and proper utilization of infection, prevention and control strategies.

All activities carried out by the HCA are consistent with The Salvation Army mission, values, policies and procedures.   

Accountabilities:

Monitoring and Assessment

·        Contribute to the initial and ongoing development of Resident Care Plan and ensure Care Plan is carried out as per assignment residents.

·        Report to the LPN health information from objective/subjective sources to identify resident’s health needs and monitors changes in health status.

·        Monitor and document vital signs, measurements and weights on a monthly basis for assigned residents and documents results.  Advises the LPN of any significant changes.

 

Care Plan Implementation

·        Assist residents with physical requirements and activities of daily living including, but not limited to:

o    Personal Care:  Dressing, toileting, transferring, bathing, meal service, feeding, laundry, room organizing/tidying, and linen changes;

o    Meal/snack preparation and serving; including picking up and serving of meals;

o    Maintaining the cleanliness of the kitchen & dining area which includes: sweeping / vacuuming / mopping floors, cleaning and wiping down appliances, washing dishes, wiping down surfaces (counter tops, shelving, tables, chairs, etc.), removing garbage, and maintaining a clean and orderly meal service environment;

o    Assistance with managing resident’s room and personal belongings.  Change bed linens weekly and ensures rooms are tidy.  Separates bed linens from personal clothing and places in appropriate containers.  Assists resident with weekly laundering of personal clothing and belongings;

o    Social engagement and interaction;

o    Monitors oxygen therapy, Ostomy care, and administers other prophylactic measures to ensure resident health is maintained;

o    Utilizes appropriate supplies during the provision of bathing activities and appropriate cleaning supplies for commodes, urinals etc.;

o    Uses mechanical lifts as per instructions according to individual resident requirements as assessed by OT/PT and proper lifting techniques and transfers belts when performing a one person transfer.

o    Deliver prepackaged medications to residents as outlined in the Medication Assistance policy and procedure manual

·        Report any significant physiological and psychological changes in resident condition to the LPN.

·        Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of status of all residents in assigned area.

·        Assist in the transportation of residents to and from appointments as assigned.

·        Assist in maintaining a clean, comfortable and home-like environment for the residents

 

Documentation

·        Documents on Resident Health Record and completes charting as required by care standards and applicable policies and procedures.

·        Facilitates reports of any unusual incidents according to current policies and procedures. This includes reports on any medication errors to LPN by completing an incident form.

 

Professional Responsibilities

·        Provides input in the evaluation of resident care by participating as a team member in quality improvement activities and in committees.

·        Participates in Resident Care Conferences as assigned.

·        Participates in orientation of new staff.

·        Attends Report upon starting shift duties.

·        Follows shift routines as assigned and with adaptation as required and as assigned by the LPN based on resident care and facility requirements.

·        Contacts residents, spouses and family members as directed to respond to questions/concerns, provide instruction and information and provide emotional support and to advocate on resident’s behalf regarding resident concerns.  Refers concerns to the LPN.

·        Contact external service providers (i.e. laboratory service) to provide assistance with resident care under the direction of the LPN.

·        Maintain confidentiality in all things pertaining to the work environment by adhering to FOIP and HIA

 

Education

·        Participate in staff development projects, in-service education classes, resident care conferences and other activities as appropriate.

·        Ensure skills and knowledge maintain current through attendance at workshops, conferences and seminars.

 

Occupational Health and Safety:

·        Co-operate and participate fully in The Salvation Army’s Occupational Health and Safety Program in order to maintain a safe work environment

·        Identify and immediately report hazards and incidents with the potential for injury to themselves or others to the supervisor.

·        Conduct his/her work in a safe and healthy way according to approved policy and procedure, and OH&S Standards.

·        Participate in training and review provided or recommended by the employer and takes correction when not performing the work to acceptable standard.

·        Does not undertake work that places him/herself or others in imminent danger due to lack of training, unsafe conditions or circumstances, but reports to the supervisor who will investigate.

 

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

Internal:

·        Various ad hoc Committees as assigned.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• This position reports directly to the Residential Care Manager.
• This position has no direct reports.

 

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Maintain confidential files and reports of clients.
• Maintain a pool of resources with other community services for easy accessibility by the residents.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

·       Walking and standing for prolonged periods of time.

·       The job requires lifting/twisting/bending. Lift, push and pull up to 22 kilograms.

·       Sustain full squat for up to 2 minutes, engage in repetitive reaching for 5 minute interval, sustain prolonged trunk, neck and shoulder flexion for frequent 10 minute intervals

·       Shift work, weekends, statutory holidays and extended hours.

·       Transporting Residents and equipment.

·       The incumbent’s work environment is typically in the office or residential rooms, residential areas, and medication areas.

• The incumbent’s work environment is typically at work sites within residential settings, and may experience the following disagreeable conditions: therefore, will need to follow or use universal precautions:

• Dealing with angry and abusive people, verbal abuse

• Exposure to bodily fluids, bodily waste, and infectious diseases

• Exposure to drugs, alcohol, and solvents

• Physical attacks by others

• Exposure to toxic chemicals

• Sharp objects (i.e., needle sticks, knives, and weapons)

• Other dangerous situations

• Immunization for Hepatitis B and vaccination against Tuberculosis

 

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

 

Education and experience Qualifications:

 Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

·       Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·       Graduate of a Certified Health Care/Personal Care/Nursing Care Aide program (including a Medication Assistance Certification Course) from a recognized and approved institution by Alberta Health Services.

·       Must be registered with the Alberta HCA Registry

·       Current Standard First Aid with Level C CPR & AED

·       Current Medication Administration Certification

·       Criminal Police Investigation Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

·       Current certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

·        Class 5 driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.

 

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

·       One year experience in a supportive living setting preferred.

·       Recent experience dealing with mental health clients.

 

Skills and Capabilities:

·       Able to balance numerous demands and conflicting priorities.

·       Able to work within a team environment and to effectively contribute to Resident planning processes.

·       Excellent communications skills. Compassionate and caring attitude. Attention to detail.

·       Keen observation skills.

·       Demonstrates knowledge of the Protection for Persons in Care Act.

·       Demonstrates a professional image to residents, families, caregivers, peers, and other health care providers and the public.

·       Basic computer skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word,  Excel

·       Must follow the Healthcare Aid Competency Profile April 2018, Alberta Government.

This is a Part-time position.

Weekly scheduled hours:26.35

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $22.99 to $25.85 with a maximum of $28.70.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.