Casual Continuing Care Assistant

Certified Care Assistant/Personal Care Worker – Job Description    

Reports To 

Registered Nurse (RN)/Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Director of Facility and Resident Care (DFRC)

Summary

Certified Care Assistants (CCA) or Personal Care Worker (PCW) play a crucial role in providing compassionate and personalized care to residents. Under the supervision of the RN and LPN the CCA/PCW assists residents with activities of daily living, medication management, health monitoring and emotional support. They contribute to maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for residents while promoting dignity, independence, and overall well-being. The CCA/PCW collaborates with the interdisciplinary care team and communicates effectively with residents, families, and colleagues to contribute to the overall well-being of residents. All duties performed will follow optimal safety standards to ensure the comfort and safety of residents, staff and visitors.

Core Competencies

• Good verbal and oral communication

• Good organizational and prioritization skills 

• Dependable

• Safety conscious 

• Maintain confidentiality

• Display consistency  

• Self-Motivated

• Flexible/adaptable

• Empathy

• Compassion 

• Respect 

• Attention to detail

• Able/willing to work within a team or independently

Job Accountabilities

• Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

o Assist residents with bathing, grooming, dressing, oral care and toileting as needed, while respecting their dignity and privacy.

o Provide support with mobility and transfers, using proper techniques and assistive devices as ordered.

o Assist residents with eating and drinking, ensuring they receive proper nutrition and hydration.

o Observe and record resident’s food and fluid intake is adequate, if not reports to the supervisor.

o Promotes resident’s optimal functioning by encouraging residents to make choices and remain as independent as possible

• Medication Management:

o Administer medications to residents according to prescribed dosages and schedules, following established protocols.

o Document medication administration accurately and promptly, reporting any discrepancies or concerns to nursing staff.

• Health Monitoring:

o Take and record vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, as directed by nursing staff.

o Observe residents for changes in condition or behavior, reporting any issues promptly to RN or LPN.

• Emotional Support and Companionship:

o Engage residents in meaningful conversations and activities to promote socialization and cognitive stimulation.

o Provide emotional support and encouragement to residents, offering reassurance and comfort during difficult times.

• Safety and Environmental Maintenance:

o Supervise dining room ensuring residents are not left unattended while eating or drinking and are positioned correctly to enable chewing and swallowing. 

o Adhere to proper hand hygiene protocols. 

o Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, as required based on the specific resident care tasks and infection control precautions in place.

o Implement infection control practices during resident care activities, including proper technique for handling, storing, and disposing of contaminated items.

o Adhere to facility policies and procedures related to infection control, including following established protocols for outbreak management and exposure control. 

o Ensure residents' safety by maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free environment.

o Assist with light housekeeping tasks and disinfection activities to maintain a clean and hygienic living environment for residents, including regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces, resident rooms, common areas, and equipment. 

• Documentation and Communication:

o Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of care provided, including ADL assistance, vital signs, and any changes in resident condition.

o Communicate effectively with residents, families, and interdisciplinary care team members, sharing pertinent information and collaborating on resident care plans.

Qualifications and Certifications 

• CCA/PCW certification or equivalent.

• WHMIS Training

• Alzheimer’s Course an asset

• Previous experience in a caregiving role preferred but not required.

• Compassionate and empathetic demeanor, with a genuine desire to help others.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Work Conditions

• Dementia Type illness can present with unpredictable and challenging behaviors. This requires the PCW/CCA to exercise good judgement on whether or not to proceed with care and whether consultation with RN is required. 

• Overtime as required.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods.

• Frequently lift and/or move up to 35 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Able to attend and conduct presentations.

• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.