Vancouver
Resident Care Aide (part-time)
PHS Community Services Society is hiring for two Resident Care Aide (RCA) positions in Vancouver.
Reporting to the Program Operations Manager, the RCA provides personal care and assistance with activities of daily living to residents, implementing individual case plans to provide the highest quality of service and care in accordance with PHS’s philosophy, goals and objectives.
RCAs work very closely with and support clients who have complex mental and physical health challenges. This position assists in meeting the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of clients to facilitate their independence. This includes supporting clients with personal care, serving meals and snacks and maintaining service equipment.
RCA’s are responsible for providing medication administration, harm reduction, basic wound care and first aid, safety and security measures, crisis intervention and de-escalation of heightened situations. This position works in collaboration with other staff on the team and acts as a first responder in medical interventions including overdose response, medical emergencies and instances of death.
We have two part-time permanent positions available (30 hrs/week and 22.5 hrs/week), based at the PHS-operated Dovetail Annex.
Why work here?
PHS is recognized as North American leaders in low-barrier housing and harm reduction services. We are innovators, highly regarded across the sector, looking for people to join experienced, supportive multi-disciplinary teams.
You will be a valued member of the team, working with colleagues who respect your input.
These positions are based at Dovetail Annex in Olympic Village. It’s right alongside the SkyTrain station, with good bus routes, and there’s on-site parking.
Duties and responsibilities
Job duties include (but are not limited to):
- Establishes and maintains a strong rapport with clients.
- Responsible for effective advocacy with a strong level of judgement and analysis to support long-term strategies, effectively address the health issues of clients and connect them to community supports to meet their needs.
- Supports and assists clients to participate in social, physical and recreational activities.
- Provides personal healthcare to clients, ensuring that their daily needs are met: personal hygiene, basic wound care, skin, teeth and skin care, toileting, bathing, dressing, grooming and activation.
- Provides support to clients in managing their basic life skills, and physical, social, emotional, and behavioural management. This includes accompanying clients to appointments, coordinating transportation, home support, harm reduction initiatives, and using strong critical thinking skills to create positive outcomes.
- Provides clients with nutritional assistance.
- Performs cleaning duties such as sweeping and mopping floors, vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes and laundry.
- Responsible for crisis intervention services in the event of overdose, responding to complex emergency situations.
- Transfers clients in/out of bed, to/from wheelchairs, toilet and chair using one- or two-person transfers, or medical lifts as per the client’s care plan.
- Ensures care equipment and supplies are used and stored in a safe and efficient manner.
- Observes and reports any changes in clients’ functional and cognitive behaviour and provides input on appropriate courses of action and care plans.
- Uses analytical abilities to observe and respond to resident needs and attempt to mitigate potential emergency situations, including de-compensating behaviour.
- Listens and responds to resident concerns, questions and requests in a manner that conveys respect.
- Responsible for de-escalating hostile interactions and informing management as necessary.
- Ensures adherence to accreditation, regulatory, and safety standards are met at all times (Health Canada, WorkSafeBC, PHS policies).
Education & experience
- Graduation from a recognized Resident Care Attendant or Continuing Care/Nursing Assistant Program, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Two years of recent, related experience.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job with a strong understanding of WorkSafeBC practices and standards.
- Awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others.
- Must be able to demonstrate core competencies of the PHS mandate and approach to providing client-centred care under a harm reduction model.
- Knowledge of mental health diagnoses and concurrent disorders.
- Strong communication skills. Ability to work with multiple stakeholders: PHS staff, clients, clinic staff and external agencies.
- Strong interpersonal skills; working knowledge of conflict resolution and crisis intervention techniques.
- Knowledge of harm reduction approaches and overdose symptoms. Must have current CPR, First Aid, Narcan and Overdose Management training.
- Applies sound critical thinking skills; solution-oriented with strong problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent organizational skills; able to adjust to dynamic high-pressure environment.
- Ability to accomplish tasks, both self-directed and as part of a team.
- Current knowledge of medication administration, recording and storage.
- Understanding of the Downtown Eastside and the complex intersection of issues experienced by community members. Experience working with marginalized populations, employing anti-oppressive practices.
Terms of employment
Job type: Part-time, permanent.
Schedule: We currently have two vacancies:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 12 noon to 8 pm (30 hrs/week)
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 8 pm (22.5 hrs/week)
Salary: $27.92 per hour.
Benefits: Extended healthcare, dental, vision care.
This is a unionized position under CUPE 5536.
**Please note: To be considered for this position you will need to submit your BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Number**
Successful applicants will be required to complete a criminal records check.
PHS strives to create an inclusive and welcoming workplace that reflects the community we serve. We seek a diversity of skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and professional and lived experience in our staff. We particularly encourage applications from Indigenous individuals.
How to apply
Send your resume to jobs@phs.ca today! Please include a cover letter identifying the position title you are applying for, and the qualities and competencies that would make you a suitable candidate.