Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) / Home Support Worker

_**We are currently hiring multiple CCA / Home Support Worker positions.**_

The Home Support Worker / Continuing Care Assistant works under the direct supervision of the Nursing Supervisor/Agency Director. The incumbent is responsible for carrying out direct home support services to clients in their own homes as authorized by Continuing Care Nova Scotia Care Coordinators. The services may include, but will not necessarily be limited to, personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry and family relief.

_**Maintaining the focus on client independence is an ongoing home support worker responsibility (may perform any one or a combination of the following):**_

**Personal care:**

* Provides or assists with: tub, sponge bath or shower, shaving, hair grooming to include shampoo, blow-dry and set including curling iron as required, care of hands and feet, excluding cutting of fingernails and toenails, excluding foot/hand soaks, mouth care, skin care
* Assists client to dress/undress
* Assists client to move around the home by: Assisting to walk, Assisting with transfers and positioning, Helping to maintain good posture, Assisting with the use of personal aids and equipment, Assists client with toileting, including catheter care.
* With individualized instruction, assists with client-specific tasks, eg. ROM, home oxygen, mechanical lifts, colostomy care.

**Light Housekeeping:**

* Sweep / sponge mop floors
* Cleans bathroom, e.g. tub, sink, toilet, commode
* Vacuums living area
* Dusts as authorized
* Wipes counters, fridge, stove and microwave as authorized
* Disposes of garbage as authorized
* Attends to home safety
* May be requested to provide other LHK duties, as authorized.

**Meal Preparation:**

* Cooks and/or serves meals, (may include advance meal prep.) excluding dessert/pastry preparations
* Assist / supervise client to eat
* Stores food
* Cleans up kitchen and eating area
* Washes dishes following meal preparation
* Plans meals and prepares shopping list as required.

**Laundry (Personal and Household):**

* Changes bed linen as required
* Washes laundry
* Dries clothes – using dryer or hangs clothes on line
* Folds clothes and/or hangs and puts away in appropriate place.

**Other:**

* Provides family relief while encouraging client activity when appropriate
* Palliative care, including overnight respite
* Assists client with medications by: Reminding client to take prescription medications
* Observing and reporting client’s compliance or non-compliance to established medication regime
* It is the responsibility of the incumbent to request instruction in any area of procedures or use of equipment with which the individual is not familiar
* Informs the HSW Supervisor about changes in the status of a client
* Completes reports (client timesheet, travel/mileage, daily activity report, progress note, etc.) and ensures records are submitted in a timely manner
* This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Its purpose is to describe the scope of duties. It may be changed from time to time as required.

**OCCASIONAL DUTIES:**

* Participates, upon request, in case conferences
* Participates in individual and/or group supervision, staff meeting and training programs, as requested
* May serve on/participate on committees as required by the Agency
* Mentor CCA students, new staff and provide feedback to RN / LPN Supervisor.

* Fully trained HSW, HHP, PCW, or CCA
* Currently certified in Standard First Aid and CPR level C
* Ability to function as a team player, respecting other care providers involved in the total care plan
* Ability to organize and carry out tasks efficiently
* Ability to work independently and to respond appropriately to emergency situations
* Good telephone etiquette and written communication skills
* Flexibility to work days, evenings, nights and weekends
* Maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

**CREDENTIALS:**

* Must possess a valid driver’s license and appropriate insurance coverage, as required by Agency
* Must have access to a reliable automobile
* Must have a provincially recognized diploma / certificate from training institution.

* Competitive salaries and vacation time
* Shift premiums for evening and weekend hours
* Benefits Program (medical, dental, vision, LTD) as well as an Employee Assistance Program
* Defined Benefit Pension Plan with Agency contribution
* Travel (mileage and travel time) compensation.