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Employment

Position Title:  Physical Care Attendant

Supervisor:  Housing Co-ordinator

Date Revised:  November 2008

Approved by:  Human Resources Committee

Mission Statement

To identify, develop and deliver programs and services that maximize opportunities for the contribution, participation and inclusion of people with physical disabilities within the City of Ottawa.

Position Summary:

To provide attendant care, as a member of a team, to physically disabled clients in the Housing Program of The In Community.  Attendant care shall mean the provision of such services on a 24 hour basis as may be required by the physically disabled individual in order that all necessary activities of daily living can be accomplished in a reasonable time span.

Position Philosophy:

Duties are performed in accordance with established policies and procedures of The In Community and in a manner which respects the uniqueness, dignity, worth, respect and self determination of every client.  These duties are carried out in a capacity which enables the personal and functional independence and integrity of each individual client.

Principle Responsibilities and Duties:

1.  Responsible for providing holistic attendant care duties under the direction of the client but not necessarily be limited to the broad categories of services available as follows:

1.1 Personal hygiene:

• Dressing, undressing;
• Washing, bathing, showering, bed bath;
• Mouth care;
• Hair care;
• Preventive skin care, including changing of non-sterile dressings;
• Grooming;
• Make-up;
• Shaving;
• Assistance with medication;
• Menstrual care;
• Toileting and bladder care, including emptying and changing of leg and night bags, stoma care, maintenance of external catheter care, and application and maintenance of external condom;
• Bowel care including, insertion of suppository, digital stimulation and manual disempaction, stoma care.

1.2  Physical care: 

• Household and personal laundry;
• Housekeeping;
• Meal preparation, serving, cutting and feeding of food;
• Transferring, positioning, and turning;
• Cleaning and maintenance care of specialized equipment, including wheelchairs, commode chairs;
• Range of motion exercises;
• Assistance with assistive cough devices and assistive cough therapy;
• Assistance with domestic pet care;
• Assistance with “Registered Service Animals”.

2.  Carry out employee requirements of health and safety role by: 

2.1  Following safe work procedures and practices established by The In Community.

2.2  Knowing and complying with all regulations outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

2.3  Using any equipment, protective devices or clothing made available.

2.4  Reporting any injury or illness immediately.

2.5  Reporting unsafe acts, hazards or faulty equipment which the employee is aware of and which may endanger himself, herself or another employee.

2.6  Not removing any protective devices required by the regulations or by his or her employer, without providing an adequate temporary protective device.

2.7  Not using or operating any equipment, or device that may endanger himself, herself or any other employee.

2.8  Not engaging in any prank, contest or feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct.

2.9  Participating  in safety awareness training.         

2.10  Bringing health and safety issues to the attention of the Health & Safety Representative, Supervisor, and/or Executive Director. Adherence to health and safety procedures is mandatory.

3.  Responsible for contributing as an effective member of the team with the goal of providing quality services by:

3.1  Maintaining report book on staff time, records of client care and all other documentation as required.

3.2  Reporting problems, concerns, and/or changes of any nature within the Program, to the Team Leader.

3.3  Attending and participating in staff meetings and in-service programs.

DISCLAIMER

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.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

  JOB SPECIFICATIONS – PHYSICAL CARE ATTENDANT

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• First-Aid/CPR, & WHMIS;
• Knowledge of health science;
• Perceptive skills in identifying with the diverse and individual care needs of people with disabilities;
• Knowledge of and commitment to quality centered service;
• Communication and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of Risk Management procedures;
• Judgment required to act independently as required in the day-to-day provision of care and interpret established guidelines;
• Judgment required in assessing client’s request for assistance, determining priorities and reporting any problems or irregularities concerning the nature of clients care.
• Understands and accepts total responsibility for maintaining confidentiality concerning individual clients’ activities, living conditions, and personal care services being provided. 

CERTIFICATIONS:

• First-Aid/CPR

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal reference record;

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Potential exposure to various cleaning products and/or domestic pets in client’s homes on a daily basis;
• Able to perform repetitive tasks, including reaching, bending, pushing, pulling, and standing for long periods of time;
• May be exposed to unpredictable, difficult and emotional situations with clients.
• Occasionally may be exposed to contagious illness, unpleasant hygienic situations, changing circumstances, and various hours/shifts around the clock.

ABILITIES:

Commitment to Task:  Able to start, persevere and complete a task in its entirety, while exhibiting a high level of motivation; completes the on-going tasks based on the individual needs of each client.

Interaction:  Able to communicate with others in a warm and helpful manner while simultaneously building credibility and rapport.

Perception/Versatility:  Able to interpret verbal and non-verbal behaviour; and to modify one’s own behavioral style to respond to the needs of others while maintaining one’s own objectives and sense of dignity.

Policy & Procedures:  Able to relate to routine operations in a manner that is consistent with existing solutions to problems; conform to established policies and procedures; log work activities.

Alertness:  Able to be attentive to all aspects of the environment while working; to monitor environment during routine activity.

DISCLAIMER
Because of the changing nature of work and the work to be done, the job specifications may be changes or altered as required.