Personal Support Worker - Toronto West

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is one of the largest not-for-profit home care providers in Ontario. Our team is made up of close to 3,000 caring and committed professionals who love what they do. Our providers tell us: “Home care is where I can truly make a difference. There is such a sense of accomplishment from helping people live independently at home.” Our teams work together to provide high quality, client-centred care to those who need it most in their homes, schools, retirement homes and other community settings. Many of our team members manage their own schedules in the community and they say, “The freedom and flexibility can’t be beat.” Providers form meaningful bonds with the clients and families they serve over time and are supported by a diverse regional team and beneficial home office programs. Team members tell us “I love the inclusive culture. I feel welcome and at home.”

View more comments from our clients and their family members.

Pay Range

$22.42 - $25.17 (placement on salary range as per Collective Agreement)

Our PSWs are responsible for providing assistance with personal care, socialization, and emotional support, as well as other related health services to diverse client groups (includes adults and children) to maintain the activities of daily living in the home. Support activities are performed in such a manner as to encourage independence of the client and the prevention or delay of institutionalization. Responsible for monitoring and reporting changes in client behaviour and condition. In order to promote the client's self-determination and control, personal support workers follow, whenever possible, the client's directions and preferences. All activities are conducted within the client care/service plan and policies, procedures and standards of confidentiality of VHA.

Key Areas of Accountability

VHA's Personal Support Workers (PSWs) help clients live more comfortably, safely and as independently as possible. Their skilled, compassionate support can also be a great assistance to family caregivers looking for a much needed break. Personal support workers assist our clients with, but not limited to:

• Activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing and bathing
• Meal planning and preparation
• Mobility and transfers
• Light household duties such as cleaning, laundry and washing dishes
• Provision of special functions that have been taught, with respect to the client by a regulated health professional.
• Reporting changes in client behaviour and condition

Required Qualifications:

• PSW certification from an approved and recognized educational institution
• RN/RPN/DSW/HCA/Personal Attendant certification
• RN or RPN students with a minimum successful completion of 1 year
• Internationally trained Nurse, Midwife or Physicians
• Graduates of a paramedic program
• Ability to read, write, and speak English (equivalent to grade 10 level)
• Must be available to work on the weekends or rotational weekends
• Ability to travel between assignments within designated areas of work
• Demonstrated commitment to client and family-centered care
• Willingness to work with a diverse client base including clients who are elderly, physically challenged and with mental health conditions
• Demonstrated ability to recognize safety concerns, communicate effectively using a computer and/or mobile device
• Requires good judgement, the ability to work independently, and work cooperatively with an interdisciplinary team
• Immunization for measles, rubella, and varicella, and prophylaxis immunization of Hepatitis B is strongly urged. Must be screened for tuberculosis where required (i.e. long-term care facility).
• Current CPR and First Aid certification is a definite asset
• Ability to speak a second language is a definite asset.
• Registered and in good standing with Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA) will be an asset.

Location: Service area includes Downtown West, Midtown West, Forest Hill, Davisville, Yonge-Eglinton, North Toronto and surrounding neighbourhoods.

What makes VHA’s compensation unique?

• Benefits and pension plan for permanent eligible employees

• Compensation for education and professional development

• VHA is a leading learning organization so we can provide you with comprehensive orientation and training at the start and throughout your career

• Mentorship and peer support

• Career development opportunities

• Employee and family assistance program

• Wellness resources

• Perks & discounts

• Staff & service provider events

Accommodation and VHA’s commitment to DEI

At VHA Home HealthCare (VHA), we passionately strive to uphold our commitments to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We champion inclusion and diversity in all parts of our organization and are strong believers that a diverse workforce is key to the ongoing and future success of VHA. We aim to review all applicants with fair and unbiased recruitment practices where opportunities are presented based on merits, skills, and experience. VHA is committed to providing reasonable accommodation and our services are accessible and sensitive to the needs of diverse groups. If you require any accommodation, please let us know in advance as we are happy to comply.

How to Apply?

Our online application should take about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

VHA is accredited with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada; an RNAO Best Practice Spotlight Organization designate; and a founding member agency of United Way Greater Toronto.

Thank you to everyone who applies. We will review applications as they are received. We’ll only be contacting those selected for further discussion.

In every role and at every level, we lead with purpose, build bonds that matter, and we’re passionate about providing spectacular care.