Personal Support Worker (PSW)
Recuperative Care
Hiring Multiple Positions
Non-union Title: Personal Support Worker – Full-Time (2 Positions)
Rotating day and afternoon shifts, some weekends and holidays
Personal Support Worker – Zero-Hour Relief (2 Positions)
Available to work all shifts, including days, afternoons, overnights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis
Program: Recuperative Care (Lead Agency - Gateway, in partnership with REACH Niagara)
Reports To: Team Manager / Team Supervisor
Work Hours: shift work includes days, afternoons, overnights, some weekends, holidays
Rate of Pay: $23.27 – $26.21
Role Types: Various
New Positions
Contract End Date: March 31, 2027
About Marathon Community Services (formally, Gateway Residential and Community Support Services)
Mission
Through a person-centred approach, we empower individuals to live lives of their choosing. To be independent in their way and housed safely and affordably.
Vision
We envision a future free from barriers, where all people are valued, connected and empowered to reach their full potential.
Values
Respect – We treat everyone with dignity and kindness, recognizing the inherent worth of people
Inclusion – We honour diversity and actively work to ensure everyone feels seen, heard and valued
Compassion – We meet each person with empathy, understanding that everyone’s journey is unique
Empowerment – We support people to make informed choices, take charge of their own growth and persevere in the face of life’s challenges
Job Summary
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides compassionate, client-centered care to individuals recovering from illness, injury, or hospitalization in a recuperative care setting. Working as part of an interdisciplinary team, the PSW supports clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), promotes health and safety, and contributes to stabilization and recovery.
Responsibilities
Personal Care and Daily Living Support
- Assist clients with activities of daily living including bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility
- Support safe transfers and ambulation using appropriate techniques and/or equipment
- Assist with meal preparation and service, feeding, and hydration
Health Monitoring and Clinical Support
- Observe and report changes in client condition (physical, mental, behavioral) to nursing staff
- Assist with medication administration and reminders (as delegated)
- Support wound care or recovery protocols under supervision
- Monitor vital signs and blood pressure where required
- Respond to medical emergencies when required
Recuperative and Transitional Care Support
- Support clients transitioning from hospital to stable housing or community care
- Reinforce discharge plans and recovery goals
- Encourage rest, recovery, and adherence to care plans
- Assist clients in attending medical appointments or follow-ups
Social, Emotional and Trauma-Informed Support
- Provide companionship and emotional support to reduce isolation
- Build trusting relationships using a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach
- Support clients with mental health, substance use, or complex social needs
Environmental and Safety Support
- Maintain a clean, safe, and infection-controlled environment
- Perform light housekeeping duties (laundry, room cleaning, bed making)
- Follow PPE, infection prevention, and occupational health and safety protocols
Documentation and Team Collaboration
- Accurately document care provided and client observations
- Communicate effectively with nurses, case managers, and support staff
- Participate in team meetings and care planning
This position description reflects the general duties of the position, but it is not intended to be a detailed description of all duties that may be inherent in the position. Personal Care Workers may also be asked to perform other duties as required or assigned.
Requirements
· Personal Support Worker Certificate from an approved program
· Minimum one-year experience working in healthcare, supportive housing, homelessness services, shelter services, mental health, addictions, or community-based care preferred
· A valid G drivers’ license with a reliable vehicle and permission to carry rider attached with 2-million-dollar liability
· Must possess a valid First Aid/CPR certification that does not expire within the probationary period. If certification expires, the employee is responsible for all renewal costs
· Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
· Availability to work days, afternoons, overnights, weekends and holidays
· Knowledge of harm reduction, mental health, and addiction is an asset
· Strong interpersonal, communication, and documentation skills
· Knowledge of homelessness service system and outreach community resources
· Good organizational, problem solving, time management and prioritizing skills
· Ability to work independently and as part of a team
· Excellent interpersonal skills with good oral and written skills
· Understand and work within a person-centered approach, maintaining political and cultural sensitivity
· Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to staff and client privacy
· Demonstrated ability to function within and contribute to a fast-paced team environment
· Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional education
· Ability to safely perform physical duties including lifting, transferring, repositioning clients, prolonged standing and walking
· Ability to work under minimal supervision
· Bi-lingual in both French and English is an asset
Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements
To ensure the safety of the individuals we serve, all successful candidates for this position will be required to provide a Police Clearance and Vulnerable Sector Check from their local police service. A clear Vulnerable Sector Check is a condition of employment. Any prior convictions or offenses (outside the scope of the Vulnerable Sector Check) will be assessed in accordance with applicable privacy and human rights legislation. A criminal record may be considered in the hiring decision, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss any relevant information once the check is requested.
Work Conditions
- Working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness
- Working directly with individuals experiencing addictions
- May be exposed to situations requiring infection control and management
- May be exposed to severe wounds, injuries, amputations
- Interacts with residents, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances
- Works in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and competing demands
- Exposure to emotionally demanding situations involving illness, trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, grief, crisis, and end-of-life issues
- May encounter challenging behaviours including verbal aggression, emotional dysregulation, and crisis situations requiring de-escalation techniques
- Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, transferring, repositioning, and supporting client mobility
- Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals
- May be exposed to infectious waste, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and other occupational health and safety hazards
- May be exposed to environments that have cigarette smoke, drug paraphernalia or illegal substances
- Required to work evenings, weekends, statutory holidays, and additional shifts as operationally required
Additional Information
AI Use Disclosure (Ontario Employment Standards Act – ESA)
In accordance with Ontario’s Employment Standards Act and related job posting requirements, this employer does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the recruitment or hiring process. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.
Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Gateway is committed to supporting a culture of diversity and inclusiveness across the organization. We believe in equal opportunity, and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you are contacted for an interview, please notify Human Resources of any accommodation needs you may have during the selection process. Information received regarding the accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially. We thank all respondents for their applications but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $23.27-$26.21 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
Application question(s):
Education:
Experience:
- working in healthcare: 1 year (required)
- homelessness, shelter services, mental health, addictions: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Personal Support Worker Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
