Summer Student - Personal Support Worker

SUMMARY

The Summer Student – Uncertified Personal Support Worker provides hands-on support to clients receiving Home and Community Care services under the direct supervision of the HCC Nurse Supervisor and Assistant HCC Nurse Supervisor. This role is ideal for post-secondary students pursuing studies in nursing, health sciences, social work, or related fields who wish to gain practical experience in community health. Travel to the KO communities may be required.
The student will assist with personal care, home management, respite support, and documentation. Training will be provided in culturally safe care, client communication, and the use of the Community Electronic Medical Record (CEMR) system. This is a temporary summer student position.

DUTIES

1. Personal Care Support (Under Direct Supervision)

• Assist clients with activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming, bathing, toileting, and safe mobility.


• Support meal-time activities including set-up, feeding assistance, and promoting independence.


• Provide comfort measures and encourage client autonomy.

2. Home Management & Daily Living Support

• Assist with meal planning, preparation, and safe food storage.


• Perform light housekeeping tasks such as laundry, sweeping, and changing linens.


• Help maintain a safe, clean, and culturally respectful home environment for clients.

3. Respite & Social Support

• Provide supervised respite care for clients who require constant presence or monitoring.


• Offer companionship, conversation, and supportive interaction as outlined in the care plan.

4. Documentation & Administrative Tasks

• Conduct basic charting and data entry in the cEMR.


• Maintain accurate and confidential client records.


• Assist the team in organizing schedules, forms, and other administrative duties as needed.

5. Program & Operational Support

• Participate in orientation, skill-building training, and educational sessions designed for student learners.


• Assist with inventory counts, supply management, and reporting equipment or maintenance issues.


• Follow all infection prevention and control guidelines, including proper PPE use.


• Report incidents (e.g., slips/falls) or concerns about client safety to the Nurse Supervisor immediately.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Currently enrolled in a post-secondary program (preferably health-related).


• Interest in community health, elder care, nursing, or related fields.


• Basic knowledge of personal care or willingness to learn through provided training.


• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Respectful, compassionate, and culturally sensitive approach to client care.


• Computer literacy (email, basic data entry, navigating electronic systems).


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow professional guidelines.


• Ability to speak Oji-Cree is an asset.


• Willingness to travel to remote First Nations communities.

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

This position provides hands-on experience in:

• Community health service delivery


• Client-centered and culturally safe care


• Documentation in Electronic Medical Record systems


• Working alongside nurses, PSWs, and community health staff


• Understanding care planning and the role of allied health providers


• Building foundational skills for future healthcare careers

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Age Requirement: Youth must be 15 years of age at the beginning of the employment period and can be up to 30 years old at the end of the employment period, provided they were 30 at the start.


2. Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or be granted refugee protection in Canada. As per Canada Summer Jobs funding guidelines.


3. Must possess a valid Social Insurance Number.


4. Ability to speak/write Cree, Oji-Cree or Ojibway is a very strong asset along with a demonstrated competence in written and oral English.


5. Knowledge of the culture and traditions of the First Nation communities Keewaytinook Okimakanak serves is an asset.

The hourly wage for this position is $17.60