POSITION SUMMARY:

The job of the Resident Assistant (RA) is to help each resident have the best day by providing personal care, comfort, stimulation and a sense of security within familiar surroundings. The RA responds to the needs of the residents with a focus on consistency and continuity of care. The RA concentrates on the residents’ activities of daily living.
On a day-to-day basis, the RA must observe each resident, consult and report any issues or changes with each individual resident. The RA contacts the Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), and Registered Nurse (RN) when the residents’ needs are beyond the limits of the RA role.
The RA cares for the resident as an individual with respect for their preferences and rights outlined in the Mission and Values of Unity Health Toronto and the Residents’ Bill of Rights.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Minimum level of education: Personal Support Worker Certificate obtained by an educational facility approved by the Ministry of Colleges and recognized by Providence Healthcare;
• Long Term Care experience preferred;
• Ability to read and write English competently;
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;
• Knowledge of computer documentation;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• Strong sense of compassion and caring;
• Very good attendance record;
• Good performance record.

Under the direct supervision RN/RPN:

• The RA will provide all care in accordance with the Resident’s care plan;
• Provide the activities of daily living, which include bathing, eating, toileting, ambulation, dressing, and laundry;
• Provide morning and evening care including bathing or washing, toileting/incontinence care, grooming (i.e. hair care, skin and nail care), oral hygiene, dressing (respecting each resident’s individuality, dignity and right of choice), transferring;
• Follow the care plan instructions for bowel and bladder care and routines, which enhance each resident’s abilities, control and dignity;
• Assist with personal hygiene maintaining the infection control standards;
• Utilize assistive, safety and rehabilitative devices including hearing aids, mechanical lifts, walkers, wheelchairs, whirlpool tub, and restraints as per care plan;
• Provide a neat and clean house for residents through tasks such as light dusting, bed making, spot cleaning, etc;
• Provide monitoring of behaviours by observation, care planning and reporting. The RA will assist in implementing the behaviour management component of the care plan by such activities as redirection, providing activation and stimulation;
• Promote a sense of home and connectedness among the residents of the house;
• In all interactions with residents the RA will use her/his observation skills to evaluate the resident and report any changes or issues to the RN/RPN;
• Ensure that a high infection control standard, and a safe environmental are maintained;
• Promote continuity of care 24 hours a day by providing a shift report to the RN/RPN and the oncoming RA who will be assuming responsibility for her/his residents;
• Participate in the orientation of new residents and families, staff, students and volunteers to the house;
• Perform assignments according to practices, protocols, policy and standards
• Adheres to Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and Providence Healthcare’s Health and Safety Policies (i.e. Lift and Transfer Policies);
• Adheres to Providence Healthcare’s Policies and Procedures, including Incident Reporting Policy.