Personal Care Aide (PCA)

Location: Abbotsford hospice OR Vancouver Hospice

Reporting to: Clinical Nursing Manager

Job status: Casual (minimum 2 shifts per month, 12 hour shifts)

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) is British Columbia’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. For over two decades, through the many programs and services we provide, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Be part of a talented and innovative team that takes pride in supporting and providing the highest quality pediatric palliative care.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, the Personal Care Aide ensures safe, quality care while performing care duties relating to feeding, personal hygiene, music and recreational therapy activities, accompanying children and families on outings, and some clinical duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides personal care to children with bathing, dressing, oral hygiene, skin and hair care; assisting with toilet needs; and lifting and transferring children.
• Assists with meals by serving and feeding designated children.
• Assists with a child’s exercise routines.
• Safely utilizes mechanical aids, such as wheelchairs, lifts, and stretchers.
• Performs tasks, as delegated by the nurse, such as obtaining urine specimens, administering non-sterile dressings, checking skin for ulcers and for skin integrity, following standard procedures and protocols.
• Monitors children and reports observations, problems, and any behavioural, physical and cognitive changes to the Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Accompanies children and families on outings and during social activities, as required.
• Assists with recreation and music therapy activities.
• Performs some clerical duties, such as typing, answering the telephone, and counting petty cash.
• Charts pertinent information in the child’s chart.
• Follows policies, procedures and standards of excellence to ensure a safe environment for children and families, other staff, and volunteers.
• Assumes other related responsibilities, as assigned.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma, supplemented with graduation from a recognized Health Care Assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience and be registered with the BC Care Aid Community Health Worker Registry.
• Must have a valid CPR.

QUALIFICATIONS

What you bring to the role:

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Good English communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Ability to observe and recognize changes in children.
• Ability to establish and maintain rapport with children and families.
• Good computer skills, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries.
• Clear and valid Class 5 BC driver’s licence is required.

You have:

• High integrity; creativity; balance, good judgment and objectivity; high vision and conceptual capabilities; consultative, facilitate and collaborative; sense of humor.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Demonstrates flexibility that allows you to work with high energy, creative people.
• Able to thrive and effectively manage priorities in a changing, ambiguous environment.

Note: Flexibility is necessary, as this position may require occasional weekend and evening work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your cover letter and your resume at https://www.canuckplace.org/about-us/careers/. This position will remain open until filled. We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage First Nations, Inuit and Metis candidates, members of visible minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted.