Reporting to the Health Services Manager, this position will assist clients with activities of daily living, personal care, and other health care tasks as delegated by the health care professional in charge (e.g., LPN, RN, physician). The Home Care Assistant supports community members who are dealing with illness or frailty and simple tasks on short term assistance or ongoing support in their homes or at the Health and Wellness. The Home Care Assistant performs personal care activities, acute care needs after surgery, respite care and related care services with clients based on the established care plan created by the Community nurse with the goal to promote independent living in client’s own home. This role provides the necessary physical and emotional support to the client and provides services in a culturally safe, trauma-informed, and respectful manner.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation (ʔAFN) is a member Community of the Ktunaxa Nation. ʔAFN exists for the Community. Externally, we are here to serve the Community, and internally, we are our own Community, comprised of different departments unified by our Vision, Mission, and Values. As a team, through our own roles and departments, the ʔAFN Organization works together to achieve our strategic plan “Our Thinking” and continue to progress and move our community forward.

Note: This position is full-time with a set weekly schedule (35 hrs/week, Monday - Friday) working onsite at AFN’s offices.

Major Position Responsibilities

Personal Care & Household Engagement

Assists clients with activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, grooming and oral hygiene. Performs routine non-invasive foot and nail maintenance for elderly and non-diabetic individuals as per provincial guidelines. Provide timely medication reminders in accordance with the client’s care plan. Assists clients with light housekeeping duties and provides social companionship by engaging clients in leisure activities (such as reading or playing card games). Supports mealtime and nutritional health by assisting clients with serving food, feeding clients according to the individual care plans, delivering scheduled nourishment and preparing basic items such as warm beverages, toast and pre-packaged meals. Encourages client independence and physical activity by educating and involving both the client and family members in daily self-care routines. Develop creative, trauma-informed solutions to enhance client well-being and overall quality of life. Accompanying client to appointments and outings, as needed. Performs delegated tasks as directed by regulated Health Professional and for which specific training has been completed. Ensures a safe and healthy working environment by observing routine precautions and infection control procedures; removing obvious hazards; reporting faulty equipment, accidents, injuries and near misses; and adhering to and enforcing rules regarding safety.

Client Mobility and Comfort: To be performed as stipulated in Care Plan

Performs transfers of clients to and from bed, toilet, tub, using correct lifting and transfer techniques as indicated utilizing mechanical aids when appropriate. Transports clients by wheelchair, or walking. Appropriately uses and applies comfort and safety measures such as bed cradles, foot boards, air foam cushions, bed rails etc. Provides passive exercises in conjunction with activities of daily living, as directed. Encourages and assists in active exercise to ensure rehabilitation and/or maintenance of optimal functional levels.

Reporting and Charting

Measure and accurately record vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature, and pulse as directed. Maintain charting and accurate client records of care given and immediately report any changes in health, skin integrity, or behavior to Community Nurse or Health Services Manager. Participates and collaborates in community wellness program planning and implementation. Reporting and documenting necessary items as per health standards and provincial guidelines. Follows delegation, direction and training from regulated health care professionals. Follows client services and care plans as implemented by the Community Nurse and/or Health Services Manager. Follow Health and Safety principles in delivering care to clients in the community while working effectively and cooperatively with others. Participates in staff meetings, care reviews, debriefing and in-service programs. Attend job-related workshops, seminars and conferences as requested, to keep current on the developments or changes in the area of home health. Performs other related duties as required/delegated.

This position is in client’s homes and may be exposed to smoke, animals, the moods of clients, demands from families etc. This position will need to maintain a strict protocol of service adhering to care plan.

Required Experience

Graduation from a recognized Resident Care Aide/Home Support Worker Program, or an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience. Active, good standing registration with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry or working towards registration. Minimum of 2-4 years experience in a similar role, providing home care services to elders. Completion of and possession of valid CPR and First Aid Certificate. Food Safe Level 1 Certificate is an asset. Current valid BC Drivers’ License and use of a reliable vehicle.

Experience working with First Nation

General knowledge of First Nation's Health Benefits billing process Knowledge of medical terminology an asset Must possess strong clinical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

What we offer

Starting salary between $45,000 to $50,000, depending on education and experience Discretionary office closure between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as determined by the Council each year Paid annual vacation and sick days Employer-paid Group Benefits which includes Life Insurance, Health and Dental benefits, health spending account, Employee Assistance Program, Disability coverage, available after 3 months of service Matched pension plan with employer matching up to 5.5% of the employee’s salary, available after 4 months of service Live and work in the most beautiful place in British Columbia ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with our commitment to reconciliation and employment equity, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. We encourage Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their application.