The Personal Support Worker (PSW) provides compassionate, resident-centered personal care and support services to seniors living in a retirement residence. The PSW assists residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), promotes dignity, independence, safety, and comfort, and contributes to a supportive, respectful, and home-like environment. Care is delivered in accordance with individualized care plans, residence policies, and all applicable legislation and standards.
Key Responsibilities
1. Personal Care & Daily Living Support
- Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including:
- Bathing, showering, grooming, shaving, and oral hygiene
- Dressing and undressing
- Toileting, continence care, and incontinence management
- Mobility assistance, including transfers, lifts, repositioning, and ambulation
- Encourage and support resident independence whenever possible
- Provide care in a respectful, dignified, and privacy-focused manner
2. Resident Safety & Well-Being
- Observe and monitor residents for changes in physical, cognitive, or emotional condition
- Promptly report changes, concerns, incidents, or accidents to nursing staff
- Assist with fall prevention strategies and safe mobility practices
- Follow infection prevention and control procedures at all times
- Ensure resident rooms and common areas are clean, safe, and hazard-free
3. Emotional & Social Support
- Provide emotional support, companionship, and reassurance to residents
- Engage residents in meaningful conversation and activities
- Support residents with cognitive impairments, including dementia and memory loss
- Promote a positive, respectful, and inclusive environment
4. Nutrition & Hydration Support
- Assist residents during meals as required, including feeding support
- Monitor food and fluid intake and report concerns to nursing staff
- Follow dietary restrictions, swallowing precautions, and care plan instructions
- Encourage adequate hydration throughout shifts
5. Care Planning & Documentation
- Follow individualized care plans developed by the care team
- Document care provided accurately, completely, and in a timely manner
- Communicate effectively with nurses, management, and interdisciplinary team members
- Participate in care conferences, shift reports, and team meetings as required
6. Collaboration & Professional Practice
- Work collaboratively with nursing staff, management, and other care team members
- Respond professionally to resident and family inquiries within scope of practice
- Maintain resident confidentiality in accordance with privacy legislation
- Uphold the values, mission, and standards of the retirement residence
7. Housekeeping & Support Duties (as applicable)
- Assist with light housekeeping related to resident care (e.g., bed making, tidying personal spaces)
- Support laundry tasks related to resident clothing and linens
- Ensure proper use and cleaning of equipment and supplies
Qualifications & RequirementsEducation & Certification
- Personal Support Worker Certificate or equivalent (approved PSW program)
- Current First Aid and CPR certification
- Food Handler Certification (preferred or required by some residences)
Experience
- Previous experience working with seniors in a retirement residence, long-term care, or home care setting preferred
- Two years experience
- Experience with dementia care
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Compassionate, patient, and respectful approach to care
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Good time management and organizational skills
- Physical ability to perform job duties, including lifting and transfers
- Basic computer or electronic documentation skills
Working Conditions
- Shift work including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
- Physically demanding role requiring standing, walking, bending, and lifting
- Exposure to residents with varying physical and cognitive needs
Compliance & Standards
- Adheres to all applicable legislation, regulations, and residence policies
- Follows occupational health and safety guidelines
- Maintains professional boundaries and ethical standards at all times
This role is vital in supporting individuals' health and independence while fostering a caring environment. We welcome dedicated applicants eager to contribute positively to our community.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $19.15 per hour
Work Location: In person
