Rehabilitation Assistant - Priority Home Services

Position Overview

The Home Care Program supports care at home by providing services to enable clients and their families to remain as independent as possible in meeting their identified needs. The appropriate service provider is assigned to meet care needs which would normally, but can no longer be met by family or self.

The skills of the Rehabilitation Assistant (RA) are used where the client situation is stable and predictable and the RA has been trained in the skill required to perform the tasks. Specifically, the RA is responsible to assist the client through the provision of personal care, (as per Case Coordinator care plan), rehabilitation care (under the direction/supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and/or Physiotherapist) and limited home support services. The RA may be assigned more complex personal care and therapeutic interventions when he/she has been trained in the specific procedures.

Performs direct client care activities that are identified in the care plan, delegated/assigned and supervised by the therapist(s) responsible for the care of the client(s). Performs direct client care activities that are identified in the care plan by the Case Coordinator and scheduled by the Resource Coordinator. 

Performs indirect client care activities and non-client care assignments that are requested by the therapists and scheduled by the Resource Coordinator.

The Priority Home Service is a centralized Home Care service team that provides short term intensive case management, rehabilitation, restorative care and other necessary supports for up to 90 days at a time when a client requires a temporary increase of service. Home Care services will be provided to clients who have been in hospital and who are eligible and/or waiting for LTC placement or are otherwise at risk. The service will also provide short term support to clients deemed as community urgent or for those needing urgent placement directly from the emergency department.  The objectives of this team will be to enable clients to remain in their home for as long as possible and when required, transition to LTC from the community as opposed to waiting for this placement while in hospital. The model also helps family caregivers continue in their caregiving role for as long as safely possible. Once a person no longer requires Priority Home Services, they may be able to return to their pre-existing home care service that will facilitate their activities of daily living and support their health needs. This team will facilitate seamless and timely transition of clients from hospital to home in partnership with the regular home care program and where indicated to LTC according to client need(s).  

As a team member of the Priority Home Service, the Rehabilitation Assistant (RAs) will assist people with basic personal care and home support where indicated. In addition, the RA will carry out rehabilitation programs as developed, delegated/assigned and supervised by a Speech Language Pathologist, Physiotherapist and/or Occupational Therapist to address client goals and restorative/rehabilitation care needs.

Experience

• Recent and related direct client care experience in Home Care and/or a Health care setting is preferred. 

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Complete high school education, Manitoba standards, required. 
• Successful completion of a recognized academic Rehabilitation Assistant Program equivalent to the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Rehabilitation Assistant Program (equivalency to be obtained by the applicant from the MITT).

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Valid driver’s license and vehicle required.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to organize and prioritize assigned workload.
• Ability to recognize and pursue self-development opportunities.
• Effective English verbal and written communication skills.
• Preference will be given to those applicants competent in an Aboriginal language and/or knowledge in Aboriginal customs, traditions and values.
• Ability to respond to a variety of simultaneous demands.
• Ability to perform as a team member and seek assistance as necessary.

Physical Requirements

• Position involves extensive physical activity such as lifting, transferring and transporting patients and equipment.
• Must be in good physical and mental health.
• Must have adequate motor skills for implementation of therapeutic techniques and activities
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, toxic materials, noise, allergens, physical and emotional stress.
• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated clients/visitors/staff.