Program Assistant

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Client Services:

• Follow individual goals/care plan for participants and complete documentation on care plans as required.
• Participate in the participant reassessment process as required.
• Assist in the facilitation of a variety of leisure/ recreational activities according to established recreation plan.
• Assist participants to engage in individual, small, and large group opportunities, which correspond to the identified leisure needs and interests.
• Ensure the safety of the participants while involved in leisure/recreational activities both inside and outside of the building.
• Assist or facilitate as required with the safe arrival and departure of participants.
• Perform room set up/clean up and facility cleaning routines daily.
• Decorate buildings seasonally and in celebration of special events.
• Support participants and provide washroom, ambulation, and feeding assistance as required.
• Lift and transfer participants using mechanical or physical means according to established protocols and policies.
• In accordance with Safe Food Handling principles, assist with the preparation and serving of snacks/nourishments and the noon meal, meeting client's dietary requirements, as directed by the Nurse.
• Take active measures to ensure a positive participant experience by creating a warm environment and employing a strong customer service focus during interactions.
• Maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Report any actual or potential problems/situations to the Program Supervisor or designate.
• Report any identified needs to team members, Program Supervisor and/or on–call designate and caregiver.
• Complete and submit incident reports.
• Perform other position related duties as required.

Working Conditions:

• This is a permanent full-time position based on 35 hours per week.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required to meet program requirements; schedule includes days and weekends.
• The Supervisor will set the hours of work and work schedule.
• Will be required to use a walkie talkie during program hours.
• May be required to deal with challenging behaviours including physical and verbal aggression.
• Will have exposure to bodily fluids/waste.
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs.
• Frequent lifting, twisting, bending, crouching, reaching, pushing and pulling.
• Walking and standing for long periods.
• Some kneeling, running may be required.

Normal hours of work: Monday to Saturday, 10:00am – 5:00pm and includes a ½ hour paid meal break.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Completion of a College Diploma in Gerontology, Personal Support Worker, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Worker or related area of study.
• Bilingual in French is preferred; other languages an asset.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• Minimum of one (1) year of prior work experience working with cognitively impaired/frail elderly populations.
• Current Gentle Persuasive Approach training or willingness to obtain.
• Current Safe Food Handling Certification or willingness to obtain.
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR Certification.
• Montessori for Dementia Care certificate would be an asset.
• U-First Training would be an asset.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and exercise good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and participate as an active and responsible team member in a cooperative team environment.
• Participate in regular supervision and performance appraisal process.
• Ensure that all certifications are maintained as required.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional and engaging manner.
• Must comply with all Salvation Army policies, procedures and associated legislation.
• Exhibit good listening skills, have strong oral/written communication skills and respect authority.
• Able to lift 50lbs unassisted
• Self-motivated/disciplined.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, integrity, and adaptability.
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Lead by example, by demonstrating a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn and be flexible in the face of change.
• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office products is required - i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Email and Internet; ability to successfully interact with iPads/tablets and Smart Boards.
• Ability to apply effective body mechanics and meet the physical demands of the position.
• Provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.

Normal location of work: 1340 Dundas Street, London ON N5W 3B6

Dundas Street, London ON N5W 3B6

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $20.09 to $25.11 with a maximum of $30.13.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.