Healthcare Assistant

General Statement of Duties:

The Siksika Health Services (SHS) Siksika Elders’ Lodge (SEL) Health Care Aide (HCA) works as a member of an interprofessional team responsible to deliver quality, safe, and efficient care for Residents within their scope of practice and education (Alberta Health Care Aide Competency Profile, 2018). HCAs are unregulated care providers who provide basic personal care and health services through assistance and support for Residents with activities of daily living. The HCAs work collaboratively with Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Registered Nurses (RN), and other SEL staff.

Supervision:

The HCA will be mentored, directed and supervised by LPNs and RNs, and report to the SHS SEL Team Leader for administration matters, and by the SHS Nursing Advisor for nursing matters.

Duties and Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to the following):

• Works collaboratively and respectfully with all other SHS staff, Residents, and families
• Demonstrates and encourages Resident and Family Centered Care in all areas of practice
• Promotes and supports the philosophy of optimal Quality of Life for Residents, including encouraging self care and independence, while encouraging other staff to also demonstrate these practices
• Collaborates with the LPN or RN to ensure medications, supplies, and equipment are ordered, stocked, and in good working condition
• Provides care for Residents, within the HCA scope of practice and competency profile, based on each Resident’s care plan and daily needs, and direction from Regulated Health Care Professionals (LPN, RN, NPs, etc)
• Delivers the appropriate therapeutic components of care in accordance with the values, beliefs, and respect for the Siksika way of life.
• Demonstrates a value and appreciation of the heritage and wisdom brought by Residents and families
• Assists Residents with basic day to day personal care including, but not limited to: bathing, showering, bed baths, oral care, hair and skin care, application of non-prescription lotion or creams, utilizing washroom facilities or changing incontinence products, turning/ambulating or transferring Residents as per Safe Lifting Techniques
• Light cleaning of Resident’s rooms, washrooms, and common areas, garbage removal from rooms and laundry when requested or required
• General laundry to ensure adequate bedding available
• Light cooking, snack preparation, help with feeding Residents if requested or required
• Monitor Resident medications through medication assistance, or if directed through administration, and appropriate documentation of same
• Monitor residents at intervals as per their care plan
• Report changes or concerns to a Regulated Health Professional (LPN, RN, NP, etc) and chart same in the Resident’s documentation
• Contemporaneous and accurate charting of all care that is given, and conversations that are had with family members or health care professionals
• Maintains Resident records in the approved format, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, up to date, and meets legal and medical requirements to ensure continuity of care
• Organizing therapeutic activities such as reading, bingo, puzzles, sharing groups, games, safe exercises, and activities as approved by the Regulated Health Professionals (LPN, RN, NPs, etc) or Team Leader
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities and actively participates in the Accreditation process with the organization
• Performs other duties as requested by RNs, LPNs, Team Leader or Nursing Advisor
• May be responsible to attend medical appointments with Residents, and at times liaise with Residents and their family members regarding ongoing care planning.
• Provides therapeutic communication and interactions with Residents.
• Participates in monthly staff meetings
• Adheres to Siksika Health Services Policies and Confidentiality Agreement

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• HCA Certificate and active status on the Alberta HCA Directory with a Medication Assistance Certificate
• Experience in continuing care settings or gerontology recommended
• Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid Certificates

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Strong interpersonal, written/verbal communication skills, and comprehension in the English language. Blackfoot language an asset
• Flexible team player, able to problem solve and diffuse difficult situations in a constructive and collaborative manner
• Highly organized, self motivated, and willing to follow directions
• Analytical, Empathetic, Compassionate, Culturally sensitive qualities
• Understanding of Infection Prevention & Control Policies, Occupational Health and Safety Policies and protocols, and Congregate Living Standards

Other

• Must have Computer competency skills and general electronic medical record knowledge
• Vulnerable sector criminal records clearance
• Valid driver’s license

Culture/Language: Moderate knowledge of the Siksika Language is required. Knowledge of the culture and history is an asset. Must have respect for cultural traditions and ensure their inclusion within the Lodge’s overall functioning.

Working Conditions.

• 12 hour shifts, rotating schedule.
• May be required to work in an emergency basis as unusual hours may arise due to client or work requirements.
• As a staff member of an organization involved in accreditation, the incumbent is required to participate fully in the accreditation process which may involve being assigned to a self-assessment team and addressing recommendations in the accreditation report through Quality Improvement initiatives.
• Siksika Health Services acknowledges the importance of promoting a safe environment for Residents and families, and for staff in the organization and as such, all employees are responsible to follow safety guidelines and policies as a means of reducing risk and fostering attention to continuous quality improvement.