Health Care Aide

Position Overview

The Health Care Aide (HCA) may work in a variety of settings including community, health care centers, and hospitals assisting patients/residents/clients with activities of daily living with the goal of supporting independence while providing comprehensive care and treatment.

The job specification sets out the overall general duties and responsibilities of the HCA and recognizes that responsibilities may vary dependent on the setting where the HCA works.

MAIN FUNCTION:

Under the general supervision of the Manager or designate, the Health Care Aide (HCA) assists clients/patients/ residents with activities of daily living, providing direct client/patient/resident care, within established standards of care, policies and procedures. The HCA functions in meeting the special and changing needs of clients/patients/residents and assisting them in reaching and maintaining optimum health and independence within the limits of their abilities.

The HCA demonstrates a commitment to the vision, values, goals, and objectives of the region/site/program.

Experience

• Experience providing care to individuals with physical or cognitive impairments is preferred.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Minimum Grade 10 education, Manitoba standards, required.
• Successful completion of a recognized Health Care Aide course required.

SPECIAL TRAINING:

• May vary depending on the service delivery area.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• HCAs working in a community setting are required to have a valid Manitoba Class 5 driver’s license,
• access to a reliable vehicle, and/or willingness to travel year-round.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Training and/or maintenance of competence may be required in some settings.

Qualifications and Skills

• Ability to provide safe, effective, personal care in a manner that considers each individual’s need for comfort, privacy, and respect.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients/patients/residents, families, and co-workers; both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking skills.
• General skills and ability to perform all tasks and responsibilities relevant to the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize and prioritize assigned workload.
• Ability to recognize and pursue self-development opportunities.
• Basic computer skills: MS Word and Outlook.
• Experience with an electronic charting system may be preferred in some settings.
• Ability to respond to a variety of simultaneous demands.
• Ability to work independently and/or as a member of a team seeking assistance as required.
• Effective command of the English language (both oral and written).
• Knowledge of Indigenous customs, traditions and values is preferred.
• Ability to speak, read and write French may be required.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Training and/or maintenance of competence may be required in some settings.

Physical Requirements

• May encounter aggressive and/or agitated individuals.
• May encounter exposure to disease, blood, body fluids, pest infestation, radiation, toxic materials, noise, allergens, residual smoke, pets, pet dander, etc.
• Position involves extensive physical activities such as standing, transferring and transporting patients and equipment handling between 10-20 kg on a regular basis.
• Ability to work shift work and weekends.
• May be required to travel between client’s homes.