Independent Living Assistant - Relief

Under the supervision of the Site Manager and under the direction of clients, the Independent Living Assistant (ILA) assist adults who have physical disabilities with activities of daily living by performing personal support services. This includes tasks involved with personal care and hygiene, general housekeeping, and meal preparation to support independent living, dignity and choice of lifestyle.

Summary of Duties

• Under the direction of the client, provide personal care assistance including:
• Transfers and lifts
• Morning and nighttime routines
• Dressing[MH1.1]/undressing, including medical aids (i.e. braces etc.)
• Light housekeeping duties
• Meal preparation including serving, feeding as required and clean-up
• Peri-care, bowel and bladder care, catheterization, condom application and emergency procedures
• Attend shifts and bookings punctually and unscheduled booking requests as promptly as possible.
• Record booking time used, booking changes and cancellations accurately and promptly.
• Record work hours in the sign-in sheets accurately.
• Read communication books, memos, bulletin boards and other communications each day at work.
• Complete communication report, injury report and all other generally used forms accurately, clearly and within the required timeframe.
• Share and accept assigned bookings and unscheduled requests, assisting colleagues during downtime.
• Ensure the safety of clients and self during service provision.
• Communicate relevant and necessary information about clients and service provision issues to the appropriate individual(s).
• Maintain full knowledge of and ask clarifying questions related to all organizational policies and procedures, equipment, transfer and lifting techniques and individual clients’ routines.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries and preserve the confidentiality and privacy of clients.
• Communicate relevant service-related information clearly and promptly to clients.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify and solve minor service provision issues, respond to client requests and provide flexible service.
• Assist and participate in the orientation and assigned training of new employees.
• Carry out assigned cleaning of shared employee facilities.
• Attend, participate in and read the minutes of site and organization-wide staff meetings.
• Attend and participate in, or notify the manager of a scheduling conflict for, all assigned training and development.

Mental and Emotional Demands of the Role

• Ability to remain calm, patient and professional when responding to challenging or unexpected situations.
• Ability to provide compassionate support while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to adapt to changing client needs, routines and schedules.
• Ability to manage the emotional demands of supporting individuals with physical disabilities and varying levels of independence.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and seek assistance when required.

Qualifications/Skills

• Three to five years’ experience providing attendant care services in a community based or home care environment.
• Ability to listen and follow the directions of clients.
• Able to adapt to changes in clients’ routines and booking schedules due to emergencies or unanticipated activities.
• Excellent communication skills and able to communicate respectfully and professionally with clients and colleagues
• Knowledge and understanding of the Independent Living Philosophy
• Ability to take initiative
• Personal Support Worker certification form recognized school considered an asset

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the incumbent. Incumbents may be asked to perform other duties as required.