The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) offers challenging and exciting careers in health and social services delivery and administration in Canada’s North. The Territorial Authority has service locations in communities across the territory and a staff of more than 1,600 serving over 43,000 residents of the NWT and 5,900 residents of the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut. Challenging work, welcoming communities, and expanded opportunities are some of the benefits offered to employees of the NTHSSA.
Personal Support Workers (PSW) provide personalized care for clients of the Northwest Territories (NWT) by promoting independence, providing assistance and support for functional challenges with activities of daily living (ADL) and ensuring that respect for cultural diversity and personal choice is maintained within the home environment. Care needs are met by adhering to the Northwest Territories Home Care Standards, the "Vision," "Mission," Values'" and policies of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA); and the philosophy and principles of Supportive Pathways. The aim of this position is to provide care in a home environment that honours and respects the diversity and culture of each individual, including but not limited to needs, desires, and challenges; to focus on promoting client independence and choice, and to value ones individual participation in ongoing education and knowledge that accomplishes this aim.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Level of knowledge equivalent to that acquired through the Personal Support Worker certificate program offered at Aurora College.
Knowledge of universal precautions and how to use personal protective equipment (PPE).
Knowledge of body mechanics
Knowledge of the healthy aging process;
Knowledge of dementia and how to support individuals living with dementia;
Knowledge of the importance of traditional healing and community cultural practice;
Ability to operate basic medical equipment, required to assess client's health status/condition (ie thermometer, stethoscope, blood pressure apparatus, blood glucose monitor, simple suction equipment, etc)
Must be able to assist clients with transfers and be knowledgeable on the use of transfer belts, mechanical lifts, and one-person or two-person assisted transfer;
Ability to provide assistance with or complete personal hygiene, grooming and dressing;
An ability to speak, read and write English(this includes an ability to follow verbal and written instructions and interpret health information accurately);
Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:
The successful completion of a Personal Support Worker or equivalent Certification Program; or if no certification, must have at least 1 year of work experience with a minimum of 1000 hours providing care in a long-term care or home and community care setting and be able to complete the PSW course within 5 years of hire.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
Additional Requirements
Valid drivers license.
