Personal Support Worker - Hospice

Life at Kensington Health

At Kensington Health, we are proud to have built a community where people can bring their full selves to work. As a not-for-profit, we believe in the work we do every day. It's what motivates us, inspires, and propels our bold vision forward: a better life for everyone.

Diversity is at the heart of who we are and at Kensington, we celebrate our differences, knowing that creating safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces in healthcare strengthens our bold vision: building a better life for everyone. Our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts are guided by our DEI Strategy as we continuously strive to offer equal opportunities for all.

Our people are what make Kensington Health such a special place to work, learn, and grow and delivering exceptional health care to our community – and beyond – is what keeps people here for years. Interested in reimagining community-delivered care with us? Check out our open roles!

Kensington Hospice

Kensington Hospice, a division of The Kensington Health Centre, is a not-for-profit, community organization providing care to individuals and their families at end-of-life, in a home-like environment. The dedicated team and volunteers of Kensington Hospice strive to support the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs experienced when approaching end-of-life. Bereavement after care is also offered to families. Services are delivered with the commitment to enhance quality of life at the end of life.

Job Overview

Under the direction and supervision of registered staff, the PSW will provide direct personal care to the resident, in a manner that provides for support, comfort and care. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the PSW will assist with all aspects of the residents’ activities of daily living (ADL) as required and will assist with the provision of end-of-life care to all residents and families. The PSW will ensure that the residents have a safe, supportive and caring environment to live in. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the PSW will work collaboratively with the palliative individuals, their families and all other members towards the achievement of identified care goals and the enhancement of quality of life as defines by them. PSWs are expected to be a positive role model for other staff, volunteers, guests, family members, health care professionals and the community.

Responsibilities

Duties will include the following:

Psy /Soc support

• Check in with families staying overnight provide hospitality, comfort conversation and snacks as needed.

• Set up family room and inquire if they need anything overnight.

• Work with registered staff re-notification of changes in condition as needed through the night.

• Stay with residents who are restless, and in need of human reassurance. Communicate/ Sitter role.

• Reading, providing comfort measures such as music at bedside.

Practical support

• Rounds hourly at a minimum and more often as residents’ condition changes.

• Stocking of supplies in each bedroom of resident - wipes, gloves, linens.

• Prepare each room for new admission.

• Stock shower rooms and spa rooms.

• Refill the carts with clean linens.

• Do laundry/ personal clothes for individual residents.

• Do laundry /linens as needed for hospice.

• Remove garbage from each care station, resident room, and place outside of 38 in the receptacle/ at 45 in the laundry room.

• Check supply room and replace needed supplies in nursing stations and med carts.

• Remove full sharp containers in each room on med carts.

• Place new sharp containers in each area as needed.

Kitchen support

• With direction of kitchen coordinators- set up food trays for breakfast.

• Clean and sterilize counters if needed and ensure all dishes are cleaned and placed in the cupboards.

• If possible – bake bread/ using the bread maker. or other breakfast biscuits as directed by kitchen team.

• If needed prepare/cut up vegetables as directed by kitchen coordinator plan.
  

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to work well with others in a team approach, and adapt to changing situations.

• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary stressful environment.

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral), interpersonal skills, and computer literacy.

• Demonstrated commitment to consistent attendance and punctuality.

• Able and willing to work the scheduled shifts.

Required Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 1-year experience in a Palliative Care setting an asset.

• Knowledge of Ministries of Health and Long-term Care standards.

• Disciplinary-free record.

Required Professional Designation/Certificate:

• Current Personal Support Worker Certificate from a recognized institute.

• Completion of six-hundred and forty (640) hours in PSW curriculum.

• Completed Police Criminal Reference Check is an asset.