Responsibilities 

• Perform general housekeeping duties including vacuuming, mopping, dusting, garbage removal, and bed-making to maintain a clean and safe living environment.  

• Thoroughly clean high-traffic areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, ensuring sanitation and hygiene standards are met.  

• Assist clients with meal preparation and grocery shopping, respecting dietary needs and preferences.  

• Wash, dry, fold, and organize laundry as requested by the client or outlined in the care plan.  

• Follow individualized care plans tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and preferences.  

• Provide meaningful companionship and engage clients in conversation, activities, and emotional support to reduce feelings of isolation and improve overall well-being.  

• Monitor and promptly report any significant changes in the client’s physical condition, behavior, or home environment to the appropriate supervisor.  

• Proactively identify and communicate any safety concerns or mental health issues to the care management team.  

• Maintain professional boundaries and always safeguard client confidentiality.  

• Travel between multiple client homes during the day (typically three visits per day) and adapt to varying home environments and client needs.  

• Accurately document attendance and service delivery using AlayaCare software in real-time.  

WORKING ENVIRONMENT  

• This role involves working independently in a wide variety of private homes. You may have:  

• Exposure to pests (e.g., cockroaches, bedbugs) or unsanitary conditions.  

• Clients who may be living with dementia, trauma, mental health conditions, or emotional dysregulation.  

• Occasional refusal of service, or unexpected behavioral changes.  

You must be comfortable:  

• De-escalating challenging interactions using trauma-informed approaches  

• Recognizing when a situation is unsafe and removing yourself appropriately  

• Contacting emergency services (e.g., EMS) if a client’s wellbeing is at serious risk  

• All staff are trauma-informed and are expected to follow personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols consistently. 

Qualifications 

Required Skills and Abilities: 

• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence: ability to build rapport, show empathy, patience, and sensitivity to clients’ feelings and needs.  

• Excellent communication and reporting skills: clear, respectful verbal and written communication; careful listening; ability to document, share observations, follow up, escalate issues as needed.  

• Independent decision-making: able to assess situations in clients’ homes and take initiative when needed; prioritize tasks; adapt to changing circumstances without constant supervision.  

• Collaboration with support and navigation staff: work alongside Health Navigators, Day Program Manager and Operations Coordinator; align with the broader care plan; ensure smooth referrals and communication so client receives comprehensive support. (E.g. linking with resources, ensuring changes in condition are reported).  

• Emotional resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure: encountering stressful or urgent situations; remaining composed; responding safely and appropriately.  

• Independent Critical Thinking: In safety decisions, navigating unpredictable actions and circumstances.  

• Flexibility and adaptability: navigating changing environments (different homes, layouts, client needs); adjusting tasks and priorities; dealing with unexpected developments.  

• Physical stamina and strength: able to perform frequent movement (bending, kneeling, stairs), repetitive tasks; lift/carry loads up to 23kg (groceries, laundry) safely; work across multiple visits in a day.  

• Professional conduct / client-centered service: maintain confidentiality; respect client dignity; uphold boundaries; follow careplans; represent the organization well.  

• Observational skills and attention to detail: noticing subtle changes in behaviour, health, mood; catching safety hazards; ensuring high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.  

• Time management and organization: managing multiple visits per day; prioritizing tasks; ensuring reliable attendance; managing workload efficiently. 

Required Knowledge and Experience: 

• Recent or current experience working independently in a community environment. 

Required Professional Designation/Certificate: 

• High School Diploma.  

• PSW Certificate (this is a non-union position).  

• Crisis intervention training preferred.  

• GPA preferred.  

• Knowledge of Alayacare is an asset.  

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention certification is an asset.